Japan's Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko has left for Brunei, the first leg of her tour of four Southeast Asian nations.

Kamikawa left Narita Airport near Tokyo on Sunday. After Brunei, she is scheduled to visit Vietnam, Laos and Thailand during her trip that will continue until Friday.

In meetings with her counterparts and other officials, she is expected to seek cooperation to successfully hold a special summit between Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Tokyo in December.

Kamikawa on Friday expressed hopes to play a role in promoting ties with the four countries, noting that this year marks the 50th anniversary of Japan-ASEAN friendship and cooperation.

Kamikawa is also hoping to confirm that Japan will work closely with each country to uphold a free and open international order based on the rule of law, with China's growing maritime activities in the East and South China seas in mind.