Bangkok, 15 September 2026: ERIA President Tetsuya Watanabe joined a panel discussion on Japanese energy diplomacy and regional energy resilience at the Japan Energy Theatre during Gastech 2026.

Titled ‘Harnessing Japanese Energy Diplomacy at a Global Inflection Point: Strengthening Supply Resilience, Diversification and Strategic Partnerships’, the session brought together leaders to discuss how Asia can strengthen energy security, diversify energy supplies, and enhance cross-border co-operation amidst growing geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

President Watanabe joined Mr Tetsuya Azuma, Director at Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and Mr Nobuo Tanaka, CEO of Tanaka Global and Executive Director Emeritus of the International Energy Agency, who moderated the session.

The panellists examined how initiatives such as the Asia Zero Emission Community and POWERR Asia can support regional energy resilience, economic security, and practical co-operation between Japan, ASEAN, and partner countries.

President Watanabe highlighted ASEAN’s efforts to explore joint oil stockpiling as a practical step towards strengthening regional energy preparedness. He noted that such co-operation could help ASEAN respond more effectively to future supply disruptions while strengthening its partnership with Japan in an increasingly uncertain global environment.

The discussion also covered the need to balance energy security, affordability, and decarbonisation. Speakers emphasised the importance of diversified energy supplies, flexible infrastructure, regional gas markets, and stronger international co-operation across both supply and demand.

The session concluded with a shared view that Japan and ASEAN can work together on energy security, infrastructure investment, and regional co-operation to support long-term growth and resilience.