Taiwan's president-elect Lai Ching-te has met senior Japanese representatives the day after his election victory, which observers say is a possible sign that he will seek closer ties with Japan.

Lai met visiting Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Chairman Ohashi Mitsuo on Sunday morning at the headquarters of the Democratic Progressive Party in Taipei. The association serves as Japan's de facto embassy.

Lai expressed his condolences and sympathy for victims killed or affected by the massive earthquake that struck Ishikawa and surrounding prefectures on New Year's Day.

Ohashi thanked Lai for the compassion he expressed on behalf of Taiwan's people.

The president-elect described Japan as a very close partner of democracy for Taiwan.

Ohashi replied that people in Japan understand the importance of the bilateral relations. They agreed to work to raise these relations to a new level.

Lai also met Furuya Keiji from Japan's main governing Liberal Democratic Party, who heads a nonpartisan group of lawmakers promoting exchanges between Japan and Taiwan.

Lai expressed hope that economic and cultural exchanges will deepen further.

Lai won 40 percent of votes to beat two opposition candidates in the presidential election on Saturday.