As the ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC) marks its 45th anniversary in 2026, the Centre joined the ASEAN community in Jakarta to celebrate the 59th ASEAN Day through a series of activities at the ASEAN Secretariat (ASEC), including participation in the ASEAN Day celebrations and a three-day special exhibition. AJC became the first organization to exhibit under ASEC’s new initiative to showcase the work of ASEAN Centres and Entities.
Activity highlights
Celebrating the 59th ASEAN Day
On 8 August, AJC joined the 59th ASEAN Day celebrations at the ASEAN Secretariat Heritage Building for the first time, participating in the ASEAN Entities & Centres Exhibition alongside ASEAN-related organizations.
At the AJC booth, more than 50 visitors learned about the Centre’s activities and ASEAN-Japan cooperation. Visitors were also invited to experience Japanese culture through kendama, creating an interactive space for exchange and conversation.
➡ Watch the video from the day on Instagram
Bringing ASEAN-Japan cooperation to the ASEAN Secretariat
Following an invitation from ASEC, AJC organized the ASEAN-Japan Centre Exhibition in the New Building Lobby of the ASEAN Secretariat from 11 to 13 August.
The exhibition introduced AJC’s activities and initiatives promoting trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges between ASEAN and Japan. Through panels, videos and interactive elements, visitors were able to learn about AJC’s work and the evolving partnership between ASEAN and Japan.
An opening ceremony was held on 11 August with the participation of H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN; H.E. Koji Yonetani, Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN; representatives of all ASEAN Member States from the Committee of Permanent Representatives; representatives of ERIA, JAIF, JICA, the Ministry of Environment of Indonesia, and other partner organizations; members of the media; and young people participating in the ASEAN-Japan Environmental Leaders Network (AJYELN).
In his remarks, Secretary-General Dr. Kao welcomed AJC as the first organization to set up an exhibition under ASEC’s new initiative to showcase the work of ASEAN Centres and Entities. He also highlighted AJC’s longstanding role as a bridge between ASEAN and Japan and its contribution to strengthening ASEAN-Japan relations.
The ceremony attracted approximately 80 participants and representatives from more than 10 media outlets. Coverage of the event appeared in media not only in Indonesia, but also in Brunei Darussalam and Viet Nam.
Showcasing ASEAN-Japan cooperation through young people
A key feature of the exhibition was the participation of 29 AJYELN2.0 fellows from the AJC’s member countries—ten ASEAN Member States and Japan.
The exhibition coincided with the opening of AJYELN’s Environmental Leadership and Project Management Training in Jakarta. Two youth representatives delivered remarks during the opening ceremony, sharing their experiences and aspirations with ASEAN representatives and partners.
Their participation brought AJC’s work to life by demonstrating how ASEAN-Japan cooperation is being built not only through institutions and programmes, but also through connections among the next generation. Secretary-General Dr. Kao also highlighted their participation as a reflection of the shared commitment of ASEAN and AJC to empowering the next generation and strengthening people-to-people connectivity.
Strengthening connections with the ASEAN community
Throughout the exhibition, AJC engaged with officials from the ASEAN Secretariat, Permanent Representatives of ASEAN Member States, partner organizations, media and visitors.
The programme built on AJC’s continued cooperation with the ASEAN Secretariat, including collaboration during Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, and provided another opportunity to deepen working-level relationships between the two organizations.
Way forward
Building on the connections strengthened through these activities, AJC will continue to work closely with the ASEAN Secretariat and partners to create opportunities that bring ASEAN and Japan closer together.
