Summary

In his welcome address Dr Armstrong reflected that the Japan Update in its tenth year was taking place against another anniversary, the fiftieth anniversary of the Japan-ASEAN relationship which had grown in strategic and economic importance in recent decades. Turning to the strategic convergence between Australia and Japan, Armstrong struck an upbeat note, arguing that despite challenges and some friction over the climate transition and energy regulations, the relationship had never been stronger. Casting an eye to the future, Armstrong praised the strong student exchanges between Japan and Australia, with the ANU at the forefront of the relationship.