Taiwan Quick Take: Lee finalizes trip date

Former president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) will depart for Japan on Sept. 12 and return to Taiwan on Sept. 17, according to a statement released yesterday by Lee's office. Lee is making the trip purely for sightseeing and cultural exchanges, the statement said, adding that the details of Lee's itinerary were still being arranged. Lee first indicated his plan to visit Japan during a news conference on Aug. 13 in Kaohsiung. According to a report by NHK on Thursday, Tokyo has agreed in principle to Lee's visit since Lee is visiting the country for sightseeing purposes and has no intention of engaging in political activities. It will be Lee's third trip to Japan since his retirement in May 2000.