ASEAN Committee in Tokyo Convenes 329th Meeting Under Philippine Chairship
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano (5th from right), with the Heads and Representatives of the ASEAN Missions in Tokyo, at the conclusion of the 329th Meeting of the ASEAN Committee in Tokyo (ACT) held on 21 April 2026 at the Official Residence of the Philippine Ambassador.
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano chaired the 329th Meeting of the ASEAN Committee in Tokyo (ACT) on 21 April 2026 at the Official Residence of the Philippine Ambassador.
This marks the second ACT meeting under the Chairship of the Philippine Embassy, which will continue until 30 June 2026.
Ambassador Garcia-Albano led the Committee in discussions on key topics, including recent domestic developments in Japan, and regional and international issues of common interest.
As guests of the Chair, experts from Japan’s National Institute of Population and Social Security Research (IPSS) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) delivered presentations on Japan’s evolving policies toward foreign nationals.
As Japan addresses demographic change and increasing global mobility, its approach focuses on meeting labor needs, strengthening social protection, and promoting a society of harmonious coexistence with foreign residents. The guests’ presentations brought together perspectives at the intersection of population trends, social policy, and diplomatic engagement.
Dr. Reiko HAYASHI, Director-General of IPSS and a leading authority on population dynamics, ageing, migration, and social policy, presented an overview of Japan’s demographic trends and their policy implications.
Dr. Reiko HAYASHI, Director-General of Japan’s National Institute of Population and Social Security Research (IPSS), presents an overview of Japan’s demographic trends and their policy implications before the members of the ASEAN Committee in Tokyo (ACT) on 21 April 2026.
Mr. Shingo MIYAMOTO, Director-General for Southeast and Southwest Asian Affairs at MOFA, highlighted the importance of sustained dialogue between the Japanese government and migrant communities, including through engagement with ASEAN Embassies in Tokyo as key partners in communication and outreach.
He was joined by Ms. Yuriko KUGA, Director of the Consular Policy Division.
Mr. Shingo MIYAMOTO, Director-General for Southeast and Southwest Asian Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA), emphasizes the importance of sustained dialogue with migrant communities, including coordination with ASEAN Embassies in Tokyo, at the 329th ACT Meeting on 21 April 2026.
The ASEAN Committee in Tokyo is one of the fifty-five (55) ASEAN Committees in Third Countries that have been established under Article 43 of the ASEAN Charter, with the aim of promoting ASEAN’s interests and identity in the respective host countries and/or international organizations.
