Senior Vice Minister of the Japanese Cabinet Office, Mr. Masazumi Gotoda, visited Malaysia from 19 to 22 January. From the view point of enhancing friendly bilateral relationships between Japan and Malaysia, the purpose of his visit was to promote Japan comprehensively - “Cool Japan”, which includes Japanese traditional culture, WASHOKU, which was recently registered as a Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO, various contents, goods with the full use of Japan’s technology, and the sophisticated means of Japanese services.

    During his visit, Senior Vice Minister Gotoda had a meeting with YB Dato' Seri Mohamed Nazri bin Abdul Aziz, Minister for Tourism and Culture. They exchanged views on such aspects as cultural exchanges between Japan and Malaysia, and tourism including medical tourism. Senior Vice Minister Gotoda also made a courtesy call on YB Datuk Wira Ir. Haji Idris bin Haji Haron, Chief Minister of Malacca, and exchanged views on the promotion of tourism between the two countries, as well as the issue of water purification project of the Malacca River.