Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the ASEAN-Japan Music Festival in Tokyo.

The Prime Minister said in his opening address,

"Today, we are greatly honored to be able to hold the ASEAN-Japan Music Festival on such a magnificent scale in the presence of Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the friendship and cooperation between Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). On this commemorative year, Mr. Ryotaro Sugi, who has deep ties to Southeast Asia, has graciously agreed to serve as Special Ambassador for Japan and ASEAN, and has organized this music festival. We are fortunate to have leading artists from both Japan and ASEAN participate in this music festival. I would like to once again express my profound gratitude to Ambassador Sugi for his efforts and to all of the top artists from each country for their cooperation.
This year, I have visited all ten countries of ASEAN. Next month, Tokyo will welcome the leaders of the ASEAN countries for the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit. On that occasion, discussion is expected to take place on such themes as politics and economics, as well as on cultural exchanges, which includes music.
During the Summit, I plan to unveil a new policy for cultural exchange in Asia, aimed at creating a new Asian culture through a two-way and win-win approach, while respecting the diversity of each country.
Today's music festival can be said to be the precursor of this initiative. I believe this offers an excellent opportunity for Japan and ASEAN countries to deepen their mutual trust as partners through music.
Recently, a number of countries, including the Philippines, have suffered major devastation due to natural disasters. Japan and ASEAN countries are working together to carry out relief activities.
I understand that today's event will also be broadcast in the ASEAN countries. I would like to conclude my remarks by expressing my hope that the voices of the singers today will reach the people in the disaster areas and offer them some slight solace. Thank you very much."