Japan, ASEAN leaders celebrate 50-year friendship at gala dinner
By Raymund Antonio and Raymund Antonio
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida hosted a gala dinner on Sunday, Dec. 17, to celebrate the “historical milestone”: the 50th anniversary of the friendship and cooperation between Japan and Southeast Asia.

(Photo from Bongbong Marcos Facebook page)
The dinner, hosted by the Japanese prime minister and wife Yuko Kishida, was attended by Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) leaders and their spouses, including President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.
In a Facebook post, Marcos shared some photos of the event. He was seen wearing a dark blue suit while the First Lady donned a white dress with some black decorative drawings at the bottom.
“We commit to a decisive path for a peaceful and thriving Indo-Pacific,” he captioned the photo with the Prime Minister and their wives.
“Let us honour the agreements made and uphold international law, forge defense alliances, safeguard our environment, and promote sustainable economic growth,” he added.
The gala dinner was attended by some 200 guests, including representatives from political parties, related organizations, private companies, and cultural figures.
Kishida delivered an address for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation, which was followed by performances to showcase Japan’s unique culture.
The performers were SIRO-A, who used projection mapping; Tezukayama Gakuin High School Dance Club; and Japanese traditional instrument musicians AUNJ Classic Orchestra.
Aside from dance performances, the guests were also treated to popular Japanese dishes using ingredients that represent the best of its cuisine, such as scallops and wagyu beef.
The gala dinner served as an opportunity for Japan and ASEAN to celebrate its friendship and cooperation, which was commemorated in the summit that was held from Dec. 15 to 18.