A business forum has been held in Tokyo to mark 50 years of relations between Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

The Japanese government organized the event on Tuesday.

The main focus of the discussions was on creating new business opportunities by boosting start-ups in ASEAN countries.

Participants also discussed ways for Japanese entrepreneurs to establish start-ups in the region, and how to strengthen cooperation with economic organizations there.

In 2009, China became ASEAN's largest trading partner, overtaking Japan. South Korea has also increased its presence through soft power, such as music and TV dramas.

Japan is now looking to cultivate new channels with young business leaders in ASEAN countries, rather than just relying on traditional partnerships in manufacturing businesses such as the automobile industry.

Yohanes Lukiman, a senior official of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, stressed the importance of person-to-person exchanges.

He said that "meeting like-minded people who have the same goals and philosophy" can be a starting point for building and accelerating economic diplomacy between Japan and ASEAN.

A special summit meeting is planned between Japanese and ASEAN leaders in December.