Greetings and Happy New Year from Ambassador KIKUTA Yutaka
2025/1/8

Happy New Year, 2025! My name is KIKUTA Yutaka, and I assumed my post as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Brunei Darussalam on December 23 of last year. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and extend my greetings for the New Year.
Since joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, I have had the privilege of engaging in various fields, including political and economic relations with Europe and the United States, economic cooperation with developing countries, security and disarmament in multilateral fora, financial affairs at the Banking Bureau of the Ministry of Finance, serving as the chamberlain to His Majesty the Emperor at the Imperial Household Agency, and assignments in South Asia and Africa, in which they have all enriched my career tremendously.
In terms of relations with ASEAN, I served as the Asian-side coordinator for the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), which I feel has made my postings to alternate between Asia and Europe. The appointment this time marks my third as ambassador, and I am committed to fulfilling my duties with sincerity in this beautiful and fascinating country of Brunei.
As you know, Japan and Brunei have long enjoyed friendly relations, bolstered by exchanges between our Imperial Household and the Royal Family as well as a close economic relationship centered around the energy sector. Last year marked the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. In March, our bilateral relationship was elevated to a Strategic Partnership, and in December, the short-stay visa exemption period was extended, which is expected to further revitalize business and tourism. As maritime nations, adherence to the rule of law in the sea is significantly important for both our countries, and in recent years, the bilateral defence exchanges and dialogues have also progressed. It is a great honour and pleasure for me to be appointed as the Ambassador of Japan to a country with which Japan has such close and friendly ties.
Nevertheless, with the international situation becoming more fluid than ever and with urgent global issues including climate change, it is obvious that Brunei will also be required to respond to these changes. In particular, I would like to emphasise to all quarters that a long-term partnership with Japan will be mutually beneficial for both countries in tackling Brunei’s energy challenges, diversifying and expanding its industry and trade, and developing its human resources. Brunei, located at the geographical center of ASEAN, is believably crucial to the region`s stability. Maintaining the country`s peace and prosperity is extremely important not only for Japan and Brunei, but for the region as well. I am aware that there are many ways in which Japan can contribute to this end.
Needless to say, the core of this partnership lies in the technology and initiatives of Japanese companies. The Embassy will do its utmost to ensure that Japanese residents live safely, and Japanese companies operate successfully in this country. I look forward to connecting with as many of you as possible to deepen my understanding of this country and gain a clearer sense of my role within it.
I wish you all a prosperous year and sincerely ask for your continued support and cooperation.
Since joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, I have had the privilege of engaging in various fields, including political and economic relations with Europe and the United States, economic cooperation with developing countries, security and disarmament in multilateral fora, financial affairs at the Banking Bureau of the Ministry of Finance, serving as the chamberlain to His Majesty the Emperor at the Imperial Household Agency, and assignments in South Asia and Africa, in which they have all enriched my career tremendously.
In terms of relations with ASEAN, I served as the Asian-side coordinator for the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), which I feel has made my postings to alternate between Asia and Europe. The appointment this time marks my third as ambassador, and I am committed to fulfilling my duties with sincerity in this beautiful and fascinating country of Brunei.
As you know, Japan and Brunei have long enjoyed friendly relations, bolstered by exchanges between our Imperial Household and the Royal Family as well as a close economic relationship centered around the energy sector. Last year marked the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. In March, our bilateral relationship was elevated to a Strategic Partnership, and in December, the short-stay visa exemption period was extended, which is expected to further revitalize business and tourism. As maritime nations, adherence to the rule of law in the sea is significantly important for both our countries, and in recent years, the bilateral defence exchanges and dialogues have also progressed. It is a great honour and pleasure for me to be appointed as the Ambassador of Japan to a country with which Japan has such close and friendly ties.
Nevertheless, with the international situation becoming more fluid than ever and with urgent global issues including climate change, it is obvious that Brunei will also be required to respond to these changes. In particular, I would like to emphasise to all quarters that a long-term partnership with Japan will be mutually beneficial for both countries in tackling Brunei’s energy challenges, diversifying and expanding its industry and trade, and developing its human resources. Brunei, located at the geographical center of ASEAN, is believably crucial to the region`s stability. Maintaining the country`s peace and prosperity is extremely important not only for Japan and Brunei, but for the region as well. I am aware that there are many ways in which Japan can contribute to this end.
Needless to say, the core of this partnership lies in the technology and initiatives of Japanese companies. The Embassy will do its utmost to ensure that Japanese residents live safely, and Japanese companies operate successfully in this country. I look forward to connecting with as many of you as possible to deepen my understanding of this country and gain a clearer sense of my role within it.
I wish you all a prosperous year and sincerely ask for your continued support and cooperation.
January 8, 2025
KIKUTA Yutaka
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan
to Brunei Darussalam
KIKUTA Yutaka
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan
to Brunei Darussalam