It is not the contentious whaling argument and the pending international court case, nor is it the minutiae of free trade negotiations.

It is simply that the relationship is so good between the two countries that both sides risk getting too comfortable.

In his first media interview since taking up his post late last year, Mr Akimoto said he would make it his personal goal to ensure the bilateral relationship is strengthened.

''Our relations are extraordinarily good. We regard each other as our most important friend and partner in this Asian region,'' the ambassador said.

''We have common values and share similar interests in this region. This relationship has been founded by the long-standing economic business and people ties.

''I don't see any threat [but] to maintain this level of relations and to strengthen it we have to make further efforts.''

Mr Akimoto said the Japanese government welcomed Prime Minister Julia Gillard's focus on Asia with her white paper looking into opportunities in the region this century.

And he added that Japan would do its part to foster this greater engagement.

''My impression is that in Japan the good relationship between Japan and Australia is regarded as a matter of course, and it is the same in Australia,'' he said.

''But in order to convey strong and friendly relations to the next generation we have to work hard, because Japan-Australia relations are too good to take for granted.

''The number of Australian students who are studying Japanese and learning about Japan is declining and in Japan, the number of students studying about Australia is also declining. So we welcome Prime Minister Gillard's push for more Asian literacy. The Japanese side also wants to take some initiative in raising awareness of the importance of the relationship.''

On the topic of whaling, Mr Akimoto insisted Japan's hunting in the Southern Ocean is purely for research purposes.

When put to him that few people in Australia accept that position, the ambassador said all would be explained in court.

''In the pending case before the International Court of Justice, Japan will provide all necessary evidence of its compliance with international law,'' he said.

''But Japan and Australia have agreed that whatever our differences on whaling, the issue should not be allowed to give negative influence on our good bilateral relationship.''

In relation to next year's hunting program, it will continue as usual regardless of Australian sentiment or aggressive campaigns at sea by anti-whaling activists Sea Shepherd.

Economic, security and people-to-people ties between Australia and Japan have dramatically escalated in recent times, something the ambassador said is necessary to ensure the stability of this part of the world.

With Shinzo Abe returning to the prime ministership in September, Australia as a priority has been emphasised inside Japan's Foreign Ministry.

''Prime Minister Abe's highest foreign policy priorities are firstly to strengthen the alliance with the United States, and secondly to strengthen the co-operation with countries in the region - and among the countries in the region, Prime Minister Abe has put priority on Australia,'' the ambassador said.

''Our new Foreign Minister visited Australia immediately on taking office and Prime Minister Abe himself has a deep, personal affinity for Australia.

''During his first time in office from 2006 to 2007 he made the joint declaration of security co-operation together with then prime minister John Howard. He also started the negotiations for the Japan Australia FTA.

''Prime Minister Abe and Prime Minister Gillard have already agreed to reach as early a conclusion to this agreement as possible.

''Under this government of Prime Minister Abe we have a chance to reach new stages of the Japan-Australia relationship.''

The ambassador had some blunt comments about China and its military build-up throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

He described China's actions in dispatching vessels to waters near the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea as provocative.

The islands have been under Japan's effective control for more than 100 years, he said, and now China wants to challenge the status quo by provocative moves.

''The Japan-China relationship is one of the most important relationships for both sides and we welcome the fact that China is growing economically,'' Mr Akimoto said.

''China's economic growth offers big opportunities for many countries in this region, including Japan.

''But at the same time we expect China to play a more responsible and constructive role in this region.

''We are concerned about Chinese rapid rebuilding and organising their military forces and also intensifying their maritime activities in recent years.''

As for Canberra, the ambassador who has been previously posted in Moscow, London and Jakarta, said he enjoys being in a smaller capital city.

''Canberra is a very beautiful city,'' he said.

''And most importantly, the people in Canberra are very friendly, very open-minded and hospitable.''