“On the economic front, Japan has historically been one of the largest investors in Malaysia.

“Japan’s total direct investment reached over RM100 billion in 2024,” he told the media during a briefing session at this year’s Japan’s National Day reception.

In 2023, Japan’s foreign direct investment commitments to Malaysia exceeded RM30 billion, covering manufacturing, technology, and infrastructure.

Beyond economic ties, Shikata expressed optimism about a resurgence in Japanese residents, workers, and students in Malaysia, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

He said that the number of Japanese residents dropped to 20,000 due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I’m hoping that, in due course, it will exceed the pre-Covid numbers,” he said.

“With the revitalised exchanges between Japan and Malaysia, I am rather optimistic that more Japanese people will come to study, visit and work in Malaysia.

He also expressed hope that more Japanese students would choose to study in Malaysia, highlighting the importance of the “Look at Each Other” policy.

“I believe that the Japanese youth can learn a lot in this diverse, multicultural nation,” he said.