26-2-2025 (TOKYO) Japan has earmarked more than US$250 million over the coming decade to strengthen cultural and intellectual exchange with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), according to Masahiko Kiya, Japan’s ambassador to the regional bloc.
Speaking from his base in Jakarta, Ambassador Kiya emphasised that people-to-people connections represent a cornerstone of the relationship that has flourished since formal dialogue began nearly five decades ago. The substantial funding package—approximately 40 billion yen—aims to cultivate deeper collaborations in education and culture, including academic exchange programmes between Japan and ASEAN countries.
“The foundation of our trusted partnership rests upon 50 years of friendship and cooperation,” Kiya remarked. “We’re looking to co-create a shared future with ASEAN for the next generation.”
This cultural investment arrives at a critical juncture as major powers vie for influence across the Indo-Pacific region. Kiya noted that ASEAN has long navigated complex power rivalries, with Japan consistently backing the bloc’s efforts to maintain regional stability and prosperity.
Japan has thrown its weight behind the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), which champions a shift from regional rivalry towards dialogue and cooperation. “Japan can play an instrumental role in transforming the Indo-Pacific from a theatre of competition to one of collaborative engagement,” the ambassador suggested, highlighting Tokyo’s diplomatic relationships with key regional stakeholders, including the United States and ASEAN members.
Regarding Sino-Japanese relations, Kiya characterised them as “mutually beneficial” and based on “common strategic interest” in fostering constructive ties. He emphasised that adherence to international law and a rules-based order benefits all parties across the Indo-Pacific.
Economic partnerships feature prominently in Japan’s regional strategy, with particular focus on digitalisation, decarbonisation, and energy security. The ASEAN Blue Economy Innovation project, launched in collaboration with Japan and the United Nations Development Programme, exemplifies these efforts. The initiative addresses pressing challenges including climate change, marine plastics pollution, sustainable fisheries, and eco-tourism.
Last week, 60 innovators selected from 1,300 applicants across ASEAN and Timor-Leste presented their blue economy solutions to potential investors, including Japanese companies. “I’m hopeful these innovations will receive robust support from Japanese firms and the private sector,” said Kiya, “allowing these ideas to scale for the benefit of ASEAN, Japan, the wider region, and indeed the world.”
The upcoming World Expo 2025 in Osaka presents another opportunity for collaboration. ASEAN will showcase its achievements and initiatives through a dedicated pavilion themed “building bridges,” while several member states including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Singapore will maintain individual exhibition spaces.
