We Are Tomodachi Autumn / Winter 2017

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7needs its own science and innovation. The region cannot remain dependent on external sources of innovation. ASEAN-produced innovation should not diminish Japan’s technological advantage; the combined strength of the two sides should raise the advantage of both. A stronger ASEAN will contribute to the prosperity of Japan in the long run. ASEAN NEEDS TO CONSTRUCT ITS OWN REGIONAL DEMANDS AND MARKETSThe regional and global environment of cooperation has changed dramatically. Globalization and multilateralism have served East Asian and Southeast Asian community-building well. But both have fallen from grace; both have been threatened after delivering market access, a leveled playing field and a new “liberal order” opening up the region for investment and export. With restraint and limitation to globalization and multilateralism, the region has no other alternative except more effective integration among its own nations. Japan offers strong leadership and support for a new regional trade architecture among the ASEAN Plus Six, or Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). We must create our own regional market and enhance our own regional demand. We need to create an alternative to the shrinking and disappearing global markets. Japan, with all its technical knowhow and economic prowess, can help construct this new regional economic platform.THE SOFT-POWER OF JAPAN CAN BE A SAVING GRACE FOR ASEANThe soft-power of Japan is very relevant to ASEAN. Discipline, perseverance, preservation of environment, aesthetic values, social cohesion, and overall quality of life are elements that Japan can also share with the people of ASEAN. The new ASEAN Middle Class wants more than just materialistic accumulation and monetary wealth. More people-to-people exchange, cultural cooperation, youth and educational programs, journalistic exchange, and more investment in civil society cooperation would go a long way in fostering a new dimension of relations between Japan and ASEAN.In the final analysis, what we should aim for is sustainable and inclusive growth that will raise the quality of life of most of the 630 million people of ASEAN. Japan has contributed a great deal in the past 50 years of ASEAN, and has been the most generous Dialogue Partner of ASEAN. But there is room for improvement in the modality and issues of focus. Growth alone is not producing a region of peace and prosperity; in fact, the widening gap in income disparity, along with inequity in opportunity and political influence, has led to more tensions and instability in many of ASEAN’s societies. Japan too will need to make sure that the fruits and benefits of its cooperation with, support for, and investment in ASEAN will be sustainable and assured well into the future. For that, Japan and ASEAN will need a course adjustment in their journey of friendship that is different from that of the past 50 years. We are entering a new chapter of our relations. Countries are withdrawing from global engagement, looking more inward, and preoccupying themselves more with domestic challenges. Japan cannot afford to disengage from its relation with ASEAN. Its long-established trade, enormous investment and future prosperity depend on the economic health of ASEAN. ASEAN is not just an investment field; it is also a region to be transformed with the many soft-powers that Japan possesses. Thus far Japan’s relation with ASEAN has been courteous and productive. Softly, Japan can continue to lead and show the way for a better future for all of us, a new generation of Asians in an emerging Asia-Pacific Century. On September 25th I took up my new post as the Minister, Deputy Chief of Mission of Japan to ASEAN in Jakarta. This year marks the 50th anniversary of ASEAN, and the 40th year since the announcement of the Fukuda Doctrine that serves as the foundation of Japan’s diplomacy toward ASEAN. In this important milestone year, I feel delighted and honored to be standing on the front lines of ASEAN diplomacy. I look forward to working closely with ASEAN member states and their partners.— Hikariko Ono, newly appointed Minister, Deputy Chief of Mission of Japan to ASEAN