Hello Kitty is expanding her circle of joy, using cultural diplomacy to bring her "kawaii" touch to the Japan-ASEAN 50th anniversary and SDGs initiatives.
Japan and India have significant public and private investments in Myanmar which they must reframe due to the current civil war and China's growing influence.
China's economy has eclipsed Japan's in these 50 years, but Japan and ASEAN share trust and a vision for prosperity and stability including maritime security.
As Kishida hailed the next 50 years of Japan-ASEAN relations, Foreign Minister Kamikawa highlighted women's role in conflict prevention at the Tokyo summit.
Prime Minister Kishida of Japan is celebrating the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan cooperation and friendship, reflecting on our history and future together.
Kishida's proposals will aim to steer Japan, Australia, and ASEAN on a realistic path toward decarbonization, taking into account each country's circumstances.
China did little on its BRI pledges to Manila but the immediate provocation was its aggressive attacks near the Second Thomas Shoal in the Philippines EEZ.
With 20% of its coast controlled by a Chinese firm and a key naval base renovated with Chinese funds, Cambodia has become Beijing's chief regional extension.
PM Kishida hopes to advance cooperation with ASEAN nations Malaysia and the Philippines to counter China's aggressive push for control of the South China Sea.
From the discredited nine-dash line, China's new map includes a new 10-dash line claiming nearly all of the South China Sea, trampling on international law.
The head of the UN warned the ASEAN nations in Jakarta about mounting crises while Mr Kishida offered regional partners help with infrastructure and security.
Countries such as the Philippines have lodged protests against China's new map, which includes a "ten-dash line" claiming almost the entire South China Sea.