Latest news with #Shikata
The Sun
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
JEMY 2025 draw over 20,000 visitors
THE nation's largest all-Japan event, 'Japan Expo Malaysia 2025' (JEMY 2025), held on July 18-20 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), drew more than 20,000 visitors. Officiated by the Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia Noriyuki Shikata, the event, now in its sixth year, 'reaffirmed its role as a dynamic platform for Malaysia-Japan economic and cultural exchange, spanning trade, tourism, education and the creative industries'. Shikata said this year's expo once again demonstrated the strength of the countries' bilateral ties, while providing a unique blend of cultural and commercial experience for visitors from all walks of life. 'From business to tradition, the event truly captured the spirit of Japan-Malaysia collaboration,' he said during the his opening address at the event. The grand opening ceremony on 18 July was marked by a vibrant showcase, setting the tone for an immersive weekend. The audience was treated to high-energy performances by comedy trio 'wannabees', a mesmerising face-changing act by Enishi and the captivating rhythms of the Awa Odori dance troupe from Japan's Tokushima Prefecture. A major highlight of the ceremony was the inaugural Japan Expo Malaysia Awards, which honoured individuals and organisations for their impactful contributions to strengthening Japan-Malaysia relations. Among the recipients were Kyoto Protocol and Rine-Hime in the Entertainment category, Melinda Looi for Fashion and Ying Tze as Cosplayer of the Year, along with many others. Throughout the weekend, visitors were immersed in an exciting line-up of cultural and culinary experiences. Spanning two dedicated zones – Exhibition and Entertainment Zone, JEMY 2025 featured a diverse mix of experiences. In the Exhibition Zone, Chef Nao Kawasaki's dramatic Tuna Cutting Show drew a packed audience, offering a rare and captivating glimpse into the artistry of traditional Japanese seafood and sushi preparation. Opera vocalist Saori Suzuki delivered a powerful live performance, blending classical training with contemporary expression. Meanwhile, acclaimed illustrator Mitsume Takahashi mesmerised art lovers with a series of Digital Live Painting sessions, showcasing his distinctive style in real time. Other popular attractions included Sushi Moments, where top local chefs presented exquisite culinary creations, the Omakase Talk and Presentation and an engaging Sake Workshop, alongside interactive booths and hands-on workshops. One lucky visitor also won a round-trip air ticket and a four-day/three-night stay in Japan, adding extra excitement to the festivities. In the Entertainment Zone, the stage featured an electrifying mix of Japanese and Malaysian acts including a former Hello! Project idol Manaka Inaba and acclaimed J-Pop soloist Leon Niihama, best known for performing the latest Detective Conan ending theme 'Fun! Fun! Fun!', as well as Kyoto Protocol, KLP48, Rine-Hime, Taka Kazuki and Friends, Jei, Nico, DJ Blink, DJ Harimao, and Harimeow. From traditional Awa Odori performances, Kendo demonstrations to cosplay pop, the line-up celebrated the dynamic synergy between the two cultures. The event also introduced the Malaysia Startup League, a competitive platform for 20 innovative local startups to showcase their ideas in collaboration with Deloitte Japan, competing for a RM5,000 prize pool. Academic collaboration was also in focus, with the University of Tsukuba presenting global education opportunities and research initiatives. The ESG Talk Series, a key feature of this year's programme, brought together thought leaders and change makers from Japan and Malaysia to discuss sustainability, green innovation and corporate responsibility. A particularly meaningful moment was the Live Painting and Silent Auction of 'The Crane of Internal Spring', an original piece created during the expo. Proceeds from the auction were pledged to an orphanage supporting underprivileged children, reinforcing the expo's spirit of community and inclusivity. 'The success of this year's edition reflects our mission to create a vibrant platform for cross cultural celebration and industry advancement,' said Siam Connection Sdn Bhd managing director Wong Wai Jo. 'We are proud to see how Japan Expo Malaysia continues to grow and inspire new partnerships and connections every year.' JEMY 2025 is organised by Siam Connection and G-Yu Creative Co Ltd, co-sponsored by Nissan and Oyoshi with the support of the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia, the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur (JFKL), Tourism Malaysia (Visit Malaysia 2026) and the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB).
New Straits Times
07-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Japan stands with Asean on Myanmar, looks to deepen FOIP-AOIP engagement
KUALA LUMPUR: Japan has reaffirmed its full support for Asean's central role in addressing the protracted crisis in Myanmar, while expressing readiness to deepen regional cooperation through its Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) strategy aligned with Asean's own Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Noriyuki Shikata said Tokyo remains committed to Asean's Five-Point Consensus (5PC) and has maintained diplomatic channels with various stakeholders in Myanmar to ensure dialogue and humanitarian access. "Japan has been consistently engaged on the Myanmar issue in close coordination with ASEAN, particularly through the Five-Point Consensus. "While we have our own channels of communication with all stakeholders in Myanmar, we fully support Asean's central role and initiatives," he told Bernama in an exclusive interview recently. He acknowledged that progress has been slow since the 2021 military coup but stressed that Japan's approach centres on long-term humanitarian and development support for the people of Myanmar. "We understand the complexity, and while progress has been limited, we hope that under Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship in 2025, some traction can be made," Shikata said. Malaysia has stepped up diplomatic efforts on Myanmar, engaging both the military leadership and the National Unity Government (NUG) in pursuit of an inclusive political solution. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim held separate meetings with representatives from both sides, urging an extended ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid to reach conflict-affected areas. Malaysia has proposed the appointment of a permanent Asean special envoy and reaffirmed its support for the Five-Point Consensus, focusing on constructive dialogue and humanitarian access. Shikata said Japan is also ready to contribute further to Asean-led humanitarian responses through the Asean Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre), particularly for internally displaced communities. On March 28 this year, a powerful magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck central Myanmar, near Mandalay and Sagaing. The quake caused catastrophic damage, destroying infrastructure, displacing thousands and reportedly killing over 3,700 people. Turning to broader regional dynamics, Shikata pointed out that Japan's FOIP strategy shares strong common ground with Asean's AOIP, particularly in promoting inclusivity, openness, transparency and international law. He said the alignment between the two frameworks offers a timely opportunity for Japan and Asean to work together on maritime security, sustainable development, infrastructure and economic integration. "There is strong commonality between AOIP and FOIP, and we aim to identify concrete areas for collaboration between Japan and Asean under both frameworks," he said. AOIP, adopted in 2019, outlines the grouping's approach to fostering inclusive and rules-based cooperation through Asean-led platforms such as the East Asia Summit. Japan's Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) strategy, introduced in 2016, emphasises freedom of navigation, rule of law, economic growth and regional stability. Japan became Asean's first dialogue partner in 1973, formalising the partnership in 1977. Over the decades, Japan has steadily expanded its engagement with Asean, joining the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) in 2004, appointing a dedicated ambassador to Asean in 2010 and establishing its permanent mission in Jakarta the following year. In 2023, ASEAN and Japan elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, reflecting Tokyo's enduring support for ASEAN centrality and regional cooperation across political, economic and socio-cultural pillars. Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya will be in Kuala Lumpur from July 9 to 11 to attend the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and Related Meetings. — BERNAMA
Barnama
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Japan Lauds Malaysia's ASEAN Leadership in Addressing Regional Security Challenges
Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Shikata Noriyuki delivers a speech during The 71st Japan Self-Defense Forces Day Reception at the Japanese Ambassador's Residence No. 5 here Tuesday night. --fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED KUALA LUMPUR, June 25 (Bernama) -- Japan has lauded Malaysia, the 2024 ASEAN Chair, for its growing leadership in addressing regional security challenges. Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia, Noriyuki Shikata said Tokyo reiterated strong support for Malaysia. On the bilateral front, Shikata also highlighted the growing importance of Japan-Malaysia relations, spurred by the elevation of their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership last year. bootstrap slideshow He noted that Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's decision to make Malaysia his first overseas visit in January this year further reflects the importance Tokyo places on its relationship with Kuala Lumpur. The ambassador reaffirmed Japan's commitment to deepening its defence posture and working closely with Malaysia to safeguard regional peace and security, in line with a rules-based international order. 'In the face of unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force, particularly in the East and South China Seas, Japan is steadily advancing the fundamental reinforcement of our defence capabilities,' he said during the celebration of the 71st anniversary of Japan Self-Defence Forces (JSDF) Day, held at his official residence here on Tuesday evening. Shikata said Japan's Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) strategy - which aligns with the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) - seeks to promote cooperation over conflict by upholding international law. He said the JSDF play a vital role in supporting this vision by bolstering deterrence, improving response capabilities, and fostering deeper security collaboration. On Japan-Malaysia security cooperation, he said the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force and the Royal Malaysian Navy have conducted three iterations of the bilateral exercise 'MALPAN' in the Strait of Malacca and the South China Sea.
Barnama
19-06-2025
- Automotive
- Barnama
Japan Backs Johor's Push To Become ASEAN Urban Mobility Model
JOHOR BAHRU, June 19 (Bernama) -- Japan has pledged continued support for Johor's transformation into an ASEAN benchmark for urban mobility by promoting smart transit solutions and cutting-edge transportation technologies. Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Noriyuki Shikata said the initiative aligns with Johor's rapid economic growth, particularly fuelled by the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), which is set to position the state as a key regional economic hub. He said the forthcoming Rapid Transit System, Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS), expected to be completed by late 2026, along with the proposed Elevated Autonomous Rapid Transit System (E-ART), are key to improving public transportation in Johor. bootstrap slideshow By utilising Japan's AI-powered traffic control systems and digitally optimised public transportation networks, Johor could significantly reduce traffic congestion and emerge as a transportation model not just for Malaysia, but for the entire ASEAN region, he said at the Nikkei Forum Medini Johor 2025 here Thursday. Co-organised by Iskandar Investment Bhd and Japan's Nikkei Inc, the two-day Nikkei Forum Medini Johor 2025 is hosted by the Johor state government with support from the Johor Economic Planning Division, Invest Johor, and the Iskandar Puteri City Council. He highlighted the strategic potential of the Port of Tanjung Pelepas and Johor Port, both of which are well-positioned to grow as competitive regional logistics hubs and play a larger role in international trade. He said Japanese stakeholders are eager to collaborate on enhancing operational efficiency and vessel traffic management at the Port of Tanjung Pelepas and Johor Port, aiming to strengthen Johor's role in international trade, generate quality employment, and significantly contribute to regional economic growth. As Johor continues to emerge as a key destination for data centres, Shikata underscored the significant environmental challenge posed by the high energy demand for cooling, noting that Japan's LNG-based cooling technology offers an environmentally friendly and efficient cooling solution. 'By adopting this technology, the data centres in Johor would significantly improve energy efficiency while reducing their environmental impacts as well as improving operational efficiency,' he said.
New Straits Times
19-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Japan bolsters strategic ties with Malaysia, Johor a critical anchor
ISKANDAR PUTERI: Japan is intensifying its strategic partnership with Malaysia, with Johor emerging as a critical anchor in three key areas. Noriyuki Shikata, Japanese ambassador to Malaysia, said the key areas are green investment, advanced transport infrastructure and education exchange. In his keynote at the Nikkei Forum Medini Johor 2025, Shikata said Japan sees Johor's rapid rise, particularly under the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) as an opportunity for deep bilateral cooperation that aligns with regional goals of sustainability and economic integration. "Johor is fast becoming a vital hub for data centres. These require massive cooling capabilities. Japan is ready to offer our LNG-based cooling technologies to boost energy efficiency and environmental performance," he said. He added that the expected green energy transmission from Sarawak to Johor would create more investment avenues for Japanese companies in line with the Asean Power Grid initiative actively championed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Shikata also highlighted transportation as a critical pressure point in Johor's growth trajectory, urging modern solutions to curb congestion and unlock economic efficiency. "Japan stands ready to support Johor with AI-powered traffic systems and integrated smart public transport. "The RTS Link and E-ART system are crucial and Japan's technology can help make Johor a regional model for next-gen mobility," he said. He highlighted the pivotal role of Johor's seaports, namely the Tanjung Pelepas and Johor ports, in anchoring international trade. He proposed closer collaboration with Japanese partners to enhance port operations and vessel traffic management, boosting competitiveness and job creation. Turning to education, Shikata called for a stronger two-way student exchange and joint university programmes under what he coined the "Look at Each Other Policy," a progression from the traditional Look East Policy. "It is time we build new academic bridges between our institutions in Johor and Japan. These exchanges will cultivate future joint-venture leaders and deepen trust-based cooperation," he said. The ambassador cited the slew of recent high-level visits from Japan, including those by Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and Economy Minister Muto Yoji- as proof of Japan's confidence in Malaysia as a gateway to Asean growth. "Through joint effort in green tech, transport modernisation and education, our partnership with Johor can lead sustainable development across the region," he said.
