H.E. Kazuo Sunaga, Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN, made a courtesy call on the newly appointed Secretary General of ASEAN, Dato Lim Jock Hoi, on 19 January 2018. They exchanged views to further enhance the Japan-ASEAN relationship as this year marks the 45^th anniversary of Japan-ASEAN friendship and cooperation.

After the courtesy call, a handover ceremony of artwork took place at the ASEAN Secretariat Gallery with the presence of Secretary General Dato Lim. To celebrate the 45^th anniversary, a glass artwork was produced and donated by Japanese artist Mieko Noguchi who is active both in and outside Japan including Jakarta to celebrate the 45^th anniversary.