Japanese emperor's Indonesia trip reaffirms 'strong' ties; bilateral relations has been excellent since after World War II

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (centre) chats to Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) expert on integrated water resources management Tomoya Kikuta (left) during his visit to Pluit water pump station in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sunday, June 18, 2023. The Japanese royals are on a weeklong visit in the country, their first official friendship trip abroad since ascending the Chrysanthemum Throne four years ago. - AP

JAKARTA/TOKYO, June 18 (Agencies): Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako has begun their weeklong trip designed to reaffirm ties between the two Asian countries.

The visit comes as Japan's Asian peers like China and South Korea become more influential and familiar to the younger generations in terms of economics and culture in Indonesia and many other places in South-East Asia, reported Nikkei Asia.