Disclaimer: Yuko’s views are her own and does not represent the views of her employers, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. Additionally, while this story is based on the answers provided by Yuko during our interview with her, details were added for a more immersive reading experience and may not entirely be accurate.
Since middle school, at a time when the Japanese population was still relatively stranger to Southeast Asia, a young Yuko already had her sights on Southeast Asia. Throughout the years, her partialness to the region have led her to a country she now thinks of as her second home, Laos (Officially the Lao PDR). But Yuko has not been idle while spending her time in the Land of a Million Elephants either, she is a Japanese diplomat that happily has her hands full in deepening Japan-Laos relations.
Nurturing a Dream: Yuko’s Path to Southeast Asia
Yuko’s fascination with Southeast Asia began in middle school. While many of her peers were interested in English-speaking countries, Yuko’s curiosity was focused elsewhere. Growing up, she often heard remarks about her appearance resembling Southeast Asians, sparking her curiosity about the region. When asked by a teacher where she wanted to visit, she confidently responded, “Southeast Asia,” a choice that set her apart from her classmates.
As she moved on to high school, Yuko’s perspective on the world expanded. A memorable class discussion about media representation left a lasting impression on her. Her teacher posed a thought-provoking question, “Why do we find white babies so adorable?” This question led to a discussion about how media often portrays white babies in commercials and advertisements for baby products, creating a widespread perception of them as the standard of cuteness. Yuko realized that this frequent portrayal could contribute to cultural biases, as Asian babies and other ethnicities were less commonly represented in such media.
This observation deepened her interest in Southeast Asia and fueled her desire to explore the region further, as she sought to understand and appreciate the diverse cultures that were often less visible in mainstream media. In university, Yuko’s interests solidified. She enrolled in Kyoto University’s Faculty of Law, where her studies eventually led her to take the Foreign Service Officer Examination. This paved the way for her long and dedicated career with Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
Blossoming Relations: Japan and Laos Through Diplomatic Efforts
Over 24 years with MOFA, Yuko has worked in various capacities, primarily focusing on Laos but also supported high-level meetings in Mekong sub-regional and other ASEAN countries. One of her most notable projects in Laos was the planting of Japanese cherry blossoms (Sakura) in Houaphanh Province to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Japan-Laos diplomatic relations. This project was a collective endeavor, involving the cooperation of many individuals from both Japan and Laos. As a diplomat who loves both nations, Yuko played a key role in ensuring that the goodwill and dedication of everyone involved led to a significant achievement. The project faced many challenges, with the team experiencing multiple setbacks as they searched for the right location and species. Despite the difficulties, the combined efforts of the many Japan and Lao contributors resulted in the successful planting of 220 cherry blossom trees in time for the anniversary. By 2024, the trees take root strongly, and beautiful flowers bloom every year. Yuko considers her role in bringing together the positive intentions of both nations to achieve this success as one of her proudest accomplishments.
Cultivating Connection: Strengthening ASEAN-Japan Relations
Throughout her career, Yuko has been passionate about fostering deeper connections between Japan and ASEAN countries. She reflects on the warmth and curiosity she has received from people during her travels in Southeast Asia and expresses a hope that when Southeast Asians visit Japan, they too will be welcomed with the same warmth. Yuko believes that mutual understanding is key to fostering such positive exchanges, and she hopes to create more opportunities for people from both regions to learn about each other.
This belief ties back to her earlier realization about media representation—increased exposure to diverse cultures fosters mutual respect and understanding. Yuko believes that in today’s digital age, it’s easier than ever to connect with different cultures. She envisions a future where people from Japan and ASEAN countries can share their cultures, joys, and sorrows, just like close friends. Yuko also ties her message to the outcomes of the 2023 ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit, emphasizing that ASEAN and Japan should be trusted partners in peace, co-creation, and mutual respect.
The concept of “co-creation” emphasized during the ASEAN-Japan Summit extends beyond formal initiatives; it can also manifest in everyday cultural exchanges. Yuko’s appreciation for Laotian culture is reflected in a personal project—a kimono inspired by the traditional Laotian Sinh skirt, which she came across at an art exhibition. While not a traditional garment, it symbolizes how cultural elements can blend to create something new, highlighting the small yet meaningful ways individuals can contribute to cross-cultural understanding.
Planting Seeds of Understanding: A Guide to Cultural Connection
As the interview concluded, Yuko offered advice on how to better understand and connect with different cultures. Reflecting on her high school years, Yuko acknowledged that while the variety of information sources has significantly increased since then, the content we encounter can still be biased and limited. She pointed out that while algorithms on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram can introduce us to content we enjoy, they can also create echo chambers that limit our exposure to new perspectives.
In an era where people can connect across borders through shared interests, she encourages everyone to take that first step by intentionally seeking out content from other ASEAN countries and discover the rich cultural tapestry that Southeast Asia has to offer —especially those like Laos, which remain relatively unknown.
For those considering a trip to Laos, Yuko warmly invites you to come and see the cherry blossoms that the Japanese and Lao teams have planted, and to savor the delicious Laotian cuisine, rich with herbs and flavors!
Ultimately, it is the connections between people that lead to unexpected creativity and a better future for ASEAN-Japan relations. Diplomats like Yuko are merely facilitators in this process. The first step toward this brighter future can be as simple as clicking on your smartphone, opening the door to new cultural experiences and friendships that transcend borders.
FUTAMOTO Yuko
Yuko has been a foreign service officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan since 2000. She holds a bachelor’s degree of Laws and International Relations from Kyoto University, Master of Science in Environmental Management from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, and Master of International Policy and Practice from the Elliot School of International Affairs, George Washington University.
Interview and text: Bryan Tan Jia Yang, Preechaya Kittipaisalsilpa
Photos: Futamoto Yuko
