On the Passing of Former Prime Minister Fukuda Yasuo

It is with profound sadness that we learned of the passing of former Prime Minister Fukuda Yasuo. On behalf of the ASEAN-Japan Centre, we extend our deepest condolences.

Through his tenure as Prime Minister and his many years of political leadership, Mr. Fukuda made an outstanding contribution to deepening the relationship between Japan and the ASEAN Member States.

His commitment to peace first, to ASEAN as an equal partner, and to dialogue grounded in heart-to-heart trust was a true embodiment of the "Fukuda Doctrine," articulated in 1977 by his father, former Prime Minister Fukuda Takeo - a commitment he demonstrated through action throughout his life.

We are confident that the bond between Japan and ASEAN that Mr. Fukuda helped to build will continue to be carried forward by the generations to come. We offer our heartfelt condolences to his family and all who mourn his passing.

26 October 2026

ASEAN-Japan Centre
Secretary-General
Kunihiko Hirabayashi