Authors: Hoang Thi Ha and Eugene Tan
Published: 4 February 2026
ISEAS Perspective 2026/8
Since the end of World War II, Japan’s influence in Southeast Asia has been shaped primarily by its economic weight, diplomatic engagement, development assistance, and cultural appeal. These factors have underpinned Tokyo’s consistent standing as the region’s most trusted major power, as reflected in the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute’s State of Southeast Asia annual surveys (SSEA). Yet, even as this trust endures, the mainstay of Japan’s influence – its economic and technological prowess – has declined; the region’s economic gravity has instead shifted towards China, with South Korea also emerging as a competitive techno-industrial force. While regional surveys indicate that Japan remains influential, China is increasingly viewed as the most important partner for ASEAN’s future and economic growth.
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