The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr Kao Kim Hourn, underscored the importance of cultural exchange in strengthening regional ties during the “Experience Japanese Food Culture” event held at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta on 9 December.
Now in its seventh edition, the programme highlighted Matcha, Japan’s traditional green tea, as the centrepiece of this year’s showcase.
In his remarks, Dr Kao emphasised that the initiative was not merely about introducing flavours, but about fostering deeper human connections.
“This event goes beyond showcasing flavours, as it brings peoples closer together, foster deeper mutual understanding, and reinforce the human bonds at the heart of ASEAN–Japan relations through culinary diplomacy,” he said.
The event was attended by dignitaries including Yonetani Koji, Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN, and Gerard Ho, Singapore’s Permanent Representative to ASEAN and Country Coordinator for ASEAN-Japan relations.
Representatives from the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN and external partners also joined the gathering, reflecting the broad diplomatic interest in cultural initiatives.
Japan has been a longstanding partner of ASEAN, contributing across all three pillars of the ASEAN Community, political-security, economic, and sociocultural, for more than five decades.
Programmes such as this food culture event are seen as vital in sustaining people-to-people ties, complementing the formal diplomatic and economic cooperation between the two sides.
The “Experience Japanese Food Culture” series has become a regular fixture at the ASEAN Secretariat, each year spotlighting different aspects of Japan’s culinary heritage.
Previous editions have featured traditional dishes and beverages, while this year’s focus on Matcha highlighted both its ceremonial significance and its growing popularity worldwide.
The event also coincided with broader regional efforts to promote cultural diplomacy. In October, Singapore hosted Food Japan 2025, ASEAN’s largest exhibition of Japanese food and beverage products, which attracted more than 150 exhibitors from across Japan and the region.
Such initiatives demonstrate the increasing appetite for cultural and culinary exchanges that go hand-in-hand with trade and investment opportunities.
Observers note that culinary diplomacy is becoming an increasingly effective tool in international relations, particularly in Asia, where food traditions are deeply intertwined with identity and community.
For ASEAN, events like this reinforce the bloc’s commitment to inclusivity and mutual respect, while offering a platform for member states and partners to celebrate diversity.
As ASEAN continues to deepen its partnership with Japan, cultural programmes are expected to play a growing role in shaping perceptions and building trust among citizens.
The Matcha showcase served as a reminder that diplomacy is not only conducted in meeting rooms but also around shared tables, where traditions and tastes can bridge divides and strengthen bonds.
Sources: ASEAN Secretariat News
