Ambassador of Japan to the United States of America

December 5, 2023

　I would like to extend my greetings to all of you as I arrive in Washington DC as the Ambassador of Japan to the United States of America. This is my third time, the first in eight years, to serve in Washington DC.

　This past year has been an important one for Japan’s diplomacy and Japan-US relations. In May, Japan, as the G7 Chair, hosted the G7 Hiroshima Summit with President Biden in attendance, and in August, the historic Japan-US-Korea trilateral summit meeting took place at Camp David.

　2024 will be a very important year with an Official Visit by Prime Minister Kishida taking place early in the year, as well as the presidential election approaching. Amid today’s complex international situation, the importance of the Japan’s relationship with the US, its only ally, has never been greater. It is with a profound sense of privilege and responsibility that I take on the role of Ambassador to serve at the very forefront of these endeavors.

　Today’s very favorable bilateral relationship is the result of the trust that the Japanese community has built over the years nationwide. Therefore, I hope to visit various parts of this vast and diverse country to meet and speak with Japanese residents, Japanese businesses, and Japanese Americans whose activities are rooted in each region. I also hope that opportunities such as next year's US-Japan Tourism Year and the annual national cherry blossom festival will further enhance the people-to-people exchange between the two countries. It is my intention to work to further deepen the people-to-people exchanges that are the unwavering foundation of the Japan-US relationship.

　Finally, I extend my sincere gratitude to the people of both of our countries for maintaining this important relationship, whether it be through business and industry, academic exchanges, personal friendships, or simply a sense of fondness and respect towards the other country. As we, the Embassy, continue to work towards further developing Japan-US relations, we would very much appreciate your continued support and cooperation.

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