“ASEAN Centrality: The Future of ASEAN and Prospects for ASEAN-Japan Relations – A Conversation” Held in Tokyo
[L-R] Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, Dr. Mie Oba, Ambassador Elizabeth P. Buensuceso, and ASEAN-Japan Centre Secretary General Kunihiko Hirayabashi at the forum “ASEAN Centrality: The Future of ASEAN and Prospects for ASEAN-Japan Relations – A Conversation,” held on 28 March 2025 at the ASEAN-Japan Centre in Tokyo, Japan.
TOKYO, 31 March 2025 – The Philippine Embassy in Japan, in partnership with the ASEAN-Japan Centre, hosted the hybrid forum, “ASEAN Centrality: The Future of ASEAN and Prospects for ASEAN-Japan Relations – A Conversation,” on 28 March 2025 in Tokyo, bringing together diplomats, academics, students, and stakeholders to explore ASEAN’s long-term vision and the vital role of ASEAN-Japan relations.
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano formally opened the event, underscoring the significance of ASEAN-Japan cooperation in advancing regional stability and economic growth.
“ASEAN-Japan relations, nurtured over 50 years of friendship and cooperation, stand as a model of enduring partnership. Japan’s contributions to ASEAN’s development—through infrastructure investments, disaster risk management, and cultural exchanges, among others—have been transformative. The Philippines, in particular, deeply values Japan’s role as a strategic ally in maritime security, economic growth, and capacity-building,” Ambassador Garcia-Albano stated.
The keynote address was delivered by Ambassador Elizabeth P. Buensuceso, the Philippines’ Eminent Person to the High-Level Task Force (HLTF) on ASEAN Community’s Post-2025 Vision. Ambassador Buensuceso, who also serves as co-chair of the HLTF, provided an insightful overview of ASEAN’s strategic direction and the themes outlined in the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, which is set to be launched in May. She also underlined the importance of ASEAN Centrality and ASEAN’s consensus-based decision-making in preserving order and stability in diverse Southeast Asia. Ambassador Buensuceso lauded the ASEAN-Japan partnership, describing it as one of the most successful and dynamic collaborations in the broader Indo-Pacific region.
To further enrich the discussion, Dr. Mie Oba, Professor at Kanagawa University and a distinguished expert in international relations and regionalization, engaged in a dialogue with Ambassador Buensuceso. Their conversation highlighted the challenges and opportunities that ASEAN will face in the coming decades, particularly in navigating geopolitical shifts and strengthening ASEAN’s Dialogue Partnerships and institutional frameworks.
Participants actively contributed through a Q&A session.
A highlight of the event was the Book Turnover Ceremony, where Ambassador Buensuceso formally handed over her book, “ASEAN Centrality: An Autoethnographic Account by a Philippine Diplomat”, to the ASEAN-Japan Centre. Secretary-General Kunihiko Hirabayashi received the book on behalf of AJC, underscoring the Centre’s commitment to fostering knowledge exchange and strengthening ASEAN-Japan ties.
Dr. Hirabayashi concluded the program with a reaffirmation of AJC’s commitment to supporting ASEAN’s goals and deepening the ASEAN-Japan partnership. He expressed appreciation to the speakers and participants for their valuable contributions to the forum.
Created in 1981, the ASEAN-Japan Centre is an international organization dedicated to serving as a bridge between Japan and the ASEAN Member States.
Ambassador Elizabeth P. Buensuceso delivered a presentation on ASEAN Centrality, the ASEAN Community 2045 Vision, and the status and direction of ASEAN-Japan partnership on 28 March 2025 at the ASEAN-Japan Centre in Tokyo, Japan.
Ambassador Elizabeth P. Buensuceso turned over copies of her book, ““ASEAN Centrality: An Autoethnographic Account by a Philippine Diplomat” to the ASEAN-Japan Centre, represented by Secretary General Kinihiko Hirayabashi, and to Dr. Mie Oba on 28 March 2025.
