Keizai Koho Center invited ASEAN journalists to Japan to promote mutual understanding between ASEAN and Japan. Japan and ASEAN have worked closely together for peace, stability, development and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and this year marks the 50th Anniversary of Japan-ASEAN relations. This year’s program focused on the future of Japan-ASEAN relations and how Japanese corporations should respond to the geopolitical changes in the region and the fast development of ASEAN countries..

Ms. Mintra Adair, Journalist and Content Creator of The Nation, Mr. Andre Arditya, Editor of The Jakarta Post, Ms. Le Thi Mai Huong, Business Editor of Viet Nam News and Mr. Ovais Subhani, Senior Corresponden of The Straits Times participated in this year’s program. The journalists had discussions with experts of various fields and policymakers. They also visited corporations, including Nissan Motor Corporation, Mori Building, OMRON Corporation, KYOCERA Corporation and NGK Insulators. They met with Mr. Akiyoshi Koji, Chairman of Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd. and Vice Chair of Keizai Koho Center and Keidanren and discussed the global strategies of Japanese businesses and the importance of Japan’s relations with ASEAN countries.

On November 10, a symposium titled “Japan-ASEAN Cooperation Amid the Changing International Situation: Views of ASEAN Journalists” was held at Keidanren Kaikan, Tokyo. Mr. Masafumi Ishii, former Ambassador to Indonesia and Special Adjunct Professor of Gakushuin University presented the keynote speech. Bearing in mind the de facto division of ASEAN countries, he stated that while Japan should maintain an ASEAN first policy, it is necessary to introduce a more tailored approach by prioritizing ASEAN countries. He also pointed out that Japan should strengthen cooperation in areas where Japan can do best, such as human resource development, high quality infrastructure, AI, DX, and high value-added and resilient supply chains and emphasized the importance of expanding areas of cooperation from economy to security in order to promote common strategic objectives, including a rule-based order and a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The journalists then presented their views on Japan-ASEAN relations and participated in a panel discussion. They shared their concern that due to the growing influence of China, Japan’s overall presence in ASEAN is weakening, despite the continuous Japanese investment in the ASEAN region. They discussed that further investments in ASEAN and exchange among young people could help reinforce the Japan-ASEAN relationship.