Japan/Taiwan

Japan/Taiwan is a semi-popular heterosexual pairing in the series Axis Powers Hetalia. It involves the two characters Japan (Kiku Honda) and Taiwan.

It is commonly referred to as 菊と梅 (Kiku to Ume), Chrysanthemum and Cherry, in the Japanese fandom.

Early Years
It is assumed that China raised the other Asian nations along with Japan, so there is a possibility that Japan and Taiwan grew up together. However, this fact still has to be addressed by the webcomic.

War Years
After the Second Sino-Japanese War, Japan had its pick of Chinese territory and chose to annex Taiwan, working to 'modernize' it and turn it into a showpiece. After Japan lost the Second World War, Taiwan ultimately chose to leave it.

Fan Speculations
As Taiwan has yet to appear in the webcomics, little interaction between the two has been shown. However, an early illustration by Hidekaz Himaruya shows that she detests China and obviously prefers Japan, ordering China to "back off" from him.