Takaichi's musical diplomacy with Indonesia shows fresh bid for Asia partners

As its economic pull wanes, Japan must try new ways to connect with region

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the State Guest House in Tokyo on March 31. © Kyodo

TOKYO -- After her March summit with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Japanese Prime Sanae Takaichi could be heard at the State Guest House in Tokyo singing Kyu Sakamoto's 1961 hit "Ue o Muite Aruko" -- better known in the rest of the world as "Sukiyaki."