Amid roaring applause in a packed stadium, Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou heralded what he called "a new era" in relations with China in his inaugural speech, delivered at the Taipei Arena just hours after he took office May 20.

But for many in Japan, from where the most well-wishers after those from the United States came to attend Ma's inauguration, the key speech fell flat.

Despite reports earlier this month that Ma would pledge to bolster ties with Japan and reiterate his support for the U.S.-Japan Security Alliance in the speech, he made no mention of Tokyo.