For the first time in history, the Sultan of Brunei made an audience with Emperor Hirohito at the Tokyo Imperial Palace.

The Sultan awarded the Emperor 1st Class - Darjah Kerabat Laila Utama Yang Amat Dihormati - D.K.

[3] On 9 September 2004, among the royal guests who were invited, Crown Prince Naruhito attended the royal wedding of Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah to Pengiran Anak Sarah at Istana Nurul Iman in Bandar Seri Begawan.

[2] Japanese companies have been active in investing in Brunei and were planning on new projects in other areas such as on petrochemicals and halal food.

[11] Both Brunei and Japan confirmed that they would continue strengthening cooperative relations in the fields of disaster relief and maritime security.