Throughout his 97 years, Lee took on multiple identities as a Japanese, Communist, Chinese, Christian, and, finally, Taiwanese independence activist – matching the island’s many changes.

TAIPEI--Former Taiwanese President Lee Teng-hui built deep connections in Japan with not only people in politics but also in intellectual circles, stemming from his university days in Kyoto.

It was Masao Iwasato for former Taiwanese President Lee Teng-hui, who died on July 30 at age 97. Born and raised in Taiwan, Lee studied at Kyoto Imperial University (present-day Kyoto University ...