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Permanent Mission of the Republic of Singapore to ASEAN
Feature Articles

CONGRATULATORY REMARKS BY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE GERARD HO AT THE EXPERIENCE JAPANESE FOOD CULTURE: SAVOR THE AUTHENTIC FLAVOR OF JAPAN EVENT AT THE ASEAN SECRETARIAT/ASEAN HEADQUARTERS ON 9 DECEMBER 2025

9 December 2025

It is my pleasure to join you today to celebrate Japanese food culture - a rich and storied tradition that has long captivated audiences in ASEAN and around the world, and a cuisine that I personally am very fond of.

Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr Kao Kim Hourn,

Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN Yonetani Koji,

My fellow colleagues from the Committee of Permanent Representatives,

Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, 

Good afternoon.

It is my pleasure to join you today to celebrate Japanese food culture - a rich and storied tradition that has long captivated audiences in ASEAN and around the world, and a cuisine that I personally am very fond of.

Before I begin, allow me also to extend my warmest welcome to Ambassador Yonetani Koji. We are delighted to have you in Jakarta, and I look forward to working closely with you to further deepen the ASEAN–Japan partnership.

Today’s focus on matcha is especially meaningful. From its deep roots in Japan’s history, matcha has now become a shared favourite across Southeast Asia, appreciated for its flavour, craftsmanship, and the calm ritual it represents.

This reflects the spirit of the ASEAN–Japan relationship, one that is rooted in heritage, yet continually evolving in ways that resonate with our peoples. As ASEAN and Japan mark over five decades of friendship and cooperation, people-to-people exchanges remain at the heart of our partnership.

Cultural experiences, whether through cuisine, the arts, or traditions, deepen mutual understanding in ways that complement our strategic and economic cooperation.

Today’s programme offers us more than a taste of matcha. It is a reminder of the creativity, openness, and shared curiosity that characterise ASEAN–Japan ties. I am confident that such interactions will continue to strengthen our community and inspire new avenues for collaboration. 

I thank the Mission of Japan for bringing us together this afternoon. I wish everyone an enjoyable experience as we explore the flavours, textures, and stories behind this iconic part of Japanese culture.

Thank you.

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