ASEAN and Japan mark the 40^th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Dialogue relations in 2013. To celebrate this milestone, ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference Plus One Session with Japan held in July 2012, agreed to carry out commemorative activities throughout 2013.

ASEAN and Japan’s cooperative partnership began in 1973 with the establishment of ASEAN-Japan forum on synthetic rubber. Through years, ASEAN and Japan have forged close cooperation towards peace, stability, development and prosperity in Asia. They have established close business with total trade amounting to USD248 billion in 2011. ASEAN Member States are major foreign direct investment destinations for Japanese enterprises.

For 2013, ASEAN Member States and Japan plan to carry out exchange projects a wide range of fields, including political dialogue, economy, culture, youth, and tourism. Exchange programs of concerned organisations and private sectors are encouraged, as are collaborative activities by government and private sector.

http://www.asean.org/news/asean-secretariat-news/item/40th-years-of-asean-japan-friendship-and-cooperation