Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong highlights the evolution of Japan-Singapore ties during the launch of a commemorative book ahead of their 60th year of diplomatic relations.
Singapore, 2 April 2025 – Senior Minister and former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong launched “The Land of the Rising Sun and The Lion City: The Story of Japan and Singapore”, a new publication co-edited by Professor Tommy Koh and Ambassador Ishikawa Hiroshi. Held at the National Gallery Singapore, the event was attended by dignitaries, diplomats, academics, and guests from both countries, marking a prelude to the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Japan in 2026.
The book, Professor Koh’s 27th, captures six decades of evolving bilateral relations, from a painful wartime past to a multifaceted modern partnership rooted in economic, political, and cultural cooperation. Senior Minister Lee reflected on this remarkable transformation, emphasising the importance of reconciliation, mutual trust, and forward-looking engagement.
“The arc of our bilateral relationship began in difficult circumstances, but we chose not to be trapped by history,” he said. “Instead, we turned the page and focused on building a lasting and fruitful partnership.”
Senior Minister Lee highlighted several key moments in this bilateral journey — from post-war reconciliation and significant Japanese investments in Singapore’s early industrialisation, to the landmark 2002 Japan-Singapore Economic Partnership Agreement (JSEPA). He praised Japan’s regional contributions through ASEAN initiatives, official development assistance, and cooperation in areas such as food security, digital infrastructure, and maritime security.
The event also acknowledged the changing geopolitical landscape, noting Japan’s increasing engagement in regional security dialogue and its upgraded Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN. In this context, Senior Minister Lee reaffirmed Singapore’s support for Japan’s constructive regional role, saying, “Japan has been a steadfast friend to the region for over half a century. In today’s uncertain world, it can play a stabilising role.”
In closing, he expressed gratitude to the book’s editors, Professor Koh and Ambassador Ishikawa, for their dedication to documenting and celebrating this shared diplomatic legacy. The book launch not only served as a retrospective but also as an inspiration for the next generation to uphold the values of peace, cooperation, and regional solidarity.
Source: PMO
