Mr. Onishi attended symposiums, held bilateral talks and visited Japan Creative Centre.
Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Onishi Yohei visited Singapore from 10 to 12 September 2026 during the 60th anniversary year of Japan-Singapore diplomatic relations. During his visit, he attended the 19th Japan-Singapore Symposium, the 25th ASEAN Council of Japan Alumni (ASCOJA) and (Asia Japan Alumni International) ASJA International Symposium, and had a bilateral meeting with Mr. Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, Minister of State in Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs.
At the Japan-Singapore Symposium on 11 September, Mr. Onishi delivered closing remarks and highlighted the potential for Japan and Singapore to cooperate on regional peace, stability and prosperity. Around 100 experts from both countries discussed geopolitics, security, economic security, trade and technology, with a focus on resilience in Asia. Mr. Onishi also attended the opening ceremony of the ASCOJA-ASJA Symposium, where he called for the continued use of the Fukuda Doctrine to strengthen Japan-ASEAN relations through mutual trust and “heart-to-heart” understanding.
During his bilateral meeting with Mr. Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, both sides agreed to advance cooperation guided by the Joint Statement on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership Between Japan and the Republic of Singapore announced in March. Beyond the official discussions, Mr. Onishi’s programme also included engagement with the Japanese community and cultural institutions in Singapore. He exchanged views with Japanese business representatives, visited the Japan Creative Centre and attended the Traditional Okinawan Crafts Exhibition, and laid flowers at the Japanese Cemetery Park in Singapore.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
