Japan-ASEAN Relations

December 17, 2023
The partners who send applause standing to the students
A group of the partners and the students

On December 17, Mrs. KISHIDA Yuko, Spouse of the Prime Minister of Japan, hosted the Partners’ Program for the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation in Tokyo. The partners who joined this program were as follows;

  1. First Lady Louise Araneta–Marcos, Spouse of the president of the Republic of the Philippines
  2. Mdm. Ho Ching, Spouse of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore
  3. Dr. Wan Azizah, Spouse of the Prime Minister of Malaysia
  4. H.E.Mrs. Vandara SIPHANDONE, Spouse of the Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic
  5. H.E.Dr. PICH Chanmony HUN Manet, Spouse of the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
Mrs. KISHIDA who makes a speech standing behind the lectern
The partners and the students who have a talk surrounding the round table
  1. Meeting with Students of “JENESYS 2023 ASEAN-Japan Students Conference”
     At this conference held as part of the Commemoration of the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation, Mrs. KISHIDA met with approximately 130 students from 10 ASEAN Member States, The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and Japan.
    1. In her opening address following the greeting by the ASEAN-Japan students’ representatives, Mrs. KISHIDA said that it was delightful to have the opportunity of direct interaction with students who are the future of ASEAN, Timor-Leste and Japan in this commemorative 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation. Mrs. KISHIDA also expressed her hope that the youths of Japan and this region would further enhance active interaction and encouraged the students.
    2. The partners had conversation with the students from their respective countries and listened intently to them talking regarding their Japanese cultural experience. The students, taking delight in the precious opportunity to meet with the partners of their leaders, had a pleasant time interacting with them.
A commemorative photos of the partners after having a seat at a table in a luncheon meeting
  1. Lunch hosted by Mrs. KISHIDA, Spouse of the Prime Minister of Japan
     Mrs. KISHIDA once again expressed her welcome to the ASEAN leaders’ partners and her hope that the partners would enjoy the Shojin Ryori (Japanese vegetarian cuisine) , using seasonal ingredients to give a sense of the seasons of Japan along with the dishes and presentations. The lunch was a significant opportunity to introduce the broad appeal of Washoku cuisine to the world.
    1. Date and time: Sunday, December 17, 12:00 to 14:00
    2. Venue: Shojin Ryori Daigo
    3. Chef: Mr. Yusuke Nomura (Shojin Ryori Daigo)
    4. Menu and drinks served (PDF)
The partners who experience making matcha tea after sitting on tatami
  1. After the lunch, with the cooperation of the Ito En Ltd., the partners listened to explanation on the culture of the Japanese tea ceremony and experienced making matcha tea, tasting usucha tea made by their own. The lunch and cultural experience provided an opportunity to deepen their understanding of Japanese culture as well as the friendship among the partners who participated in the events.
(Reference1)Attachment
(Reference2)JENESYS 2023

The project was established in 2007. Through inviting and dispatching of the youth in Japan and the Asia-Pacific region including ASEAN and online exchange, this program promotes mutual understanding, foster supporters and experts of Japan, and to build a basis for future friendship and cooperation. ASEAN-Japan Students Conference has been held almost annually since 2013.

(Reference3)Chef: Mr. Yusuke Nomura (Shojin Ryori Daigo)

Mr. Nomura is the fourth-generation owner of Shojin Ryori Daigo established in 1950. After working as a bartender, sommelier and French chef, he was appointed as head chef of Shojin Ryori Daigo at the age of 32. Since then, the restaurant has been awarded two Michelin stars for 10 consecutive years. While respecting the traditional recipes, Mr. Nomura also values “change and challenge”, developing new menu to meet the changing times. Mr. Nomura is actively committed to a wide range of environmental issues through food.


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