Japan Overhauls Diplomatic Corps Amidst Global Tensions, Appoints Korea Expert as Ambassador to China

South Korea's Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs Lee Do-hoon (L) and Japan's director general of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau Kenji Kanasugi shake hands for the media before their meeting at the Foreign Ministry in Seoul on Jan. 8, 2018. Lee Jin-man /AFP via Getty Images

In a strategic response to the unabated Russia–Ukraine conflict and rising tensions in the Middle East, Japan has initiated a significant diplomatic reshuffle aimed at bolstering national security. It comes at a time when the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is perceived to be forging a concerning alliance with Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

On Oct. 24, in a decisive cabinet meeting, the Japanese government enacted the replacement of 18 ambassadors, targeting key nations such as the United States, China, Russia, Iran, the European Union, and the United Nations. In a notable shift from tradition, the new ambassador to China is not a member of the “China School,” which typically favors individuals with a sympathetic stance toward the communist regime. Instead, Japan has appointed an envoy recognized for his Korean affairs acumen, signaling a purposeful strategic decision.

Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, addressing the considerable overhaul in ambassadorial appointments, affirmed that the selections were made strictly on the basis of “ability and achievements.” She emphasized that the newly appointed ambassadors, together with the whole Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “will continue to exert all efforts to address a wide range of diplomatic issues.”

Public and media discourse in Japan interprets the personnel shift as a move to reinforce Japan’s diplomatic stance amidst the “three major challenges” in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, and the Middle East—areas where its ally, the United States, is also deeply invested.

The focal points of Japan’s diplomatic and national security strategy revolve around four pivotal nations: the United States, China, South Korea, and Russia. Notably, the ambassador to South Korea remains unchanged at this juncture.

US, Russia Ambassadors

Shigeo Yamada, 59, takes the helm as Japan’s new ambassador to the United States. His extensive diplomatic portfolio includes tenures in both China and the United States as a diplomat, with a concentrated involvement in Japan’s foreign and security policy matters. Known for his robust connections with the foreign ministry and the national security sector, Mr. Yamada’s appointment is seen as a strategic move by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, taking into account the forthcoming U.S. presidential election next November.

Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Akitaka Saiki (front C), accompanied by Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau director-general Kimihiro Ishikane (front L) and North American Affairs Bureau deputy director-general Shigeo Yamada (front R), speaks at the beginning of a trilateral subcabinet-level meeting with U.S. deputy secretary of state Antony Blinken and Lim Sung Nam, first vice minister of foreign affairs of South Korea, in Tokyo, on Jan. 16, 2016.  Kazuhiro Nogi/AFP via Getty Images

The embassy in Russia welcomes 63-year-old Akira Mutou as the new ambassador, marking the first transition in eight years. As the former head of the Foreign Ministry’s Research Institute, Mr. Mutou brings a wealth of Russian affairs experience to the table, coupled with a well-respected record in Russian policy analysis, earning him widespread commendation.

Korea Expert Named as Japan’s New Ambassador to China

In an unprecedented diplomatic maneuver, Japan is set to position Kenji Kanasugi, a recognized “Korea expert,” as its new ambassador to China, taking the reins from Hideo Tarumi at the start of the upcoming year.

A seasoned diplomat, Mr. Kanasugi joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1983. With a career spanning several pivotal roles, he is the former senior deputy foreign minister for economic affairs and has headed the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau.

His deep involvement with Japan–South Korea relations and pivotal role in addressing North Korea’s nuclear provocations have cemented his reputation as an expert on Korean Peninsula affairs.

This strategic appointment marks a significant departure from Japan’s traditional practice of appointing diplomats with a specialized background in Chinese affairs, often from the influential “China School,” in which diplomats take Chinese language training, focusing on advancing ties with China.

Japan’s unique diplomatic training system is designed to help diplomats develop expertise in their respective geopolitical areas. The China School, renowned for its deep integration into the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and for yielding many influential figures within the Liberal Democratic Party, has been instrumental in shaping Japan’s policies towards China.

China School diplomats sometimes draw criticism for being too conciliatory towards the CCP. The China School approach stands in contrast to the more critical foreign policy faction, which supports a firmer stance towards the CCP’s policies.

In an interview published by Japanese news site Diamond Online shortly before his death in 2020, the late former President of Taiwan, Lee Teng-hui, pointed out the pervasiveness of the China School influence in Japan, hinting at a possible historical undercurrent of atonement toward China. That “sense of atonement,” stemming from Japan’s actions during World War II, “should be completely different from national politics and diplomacy,” Lee said.

A Strategic Choice Amidst Geopolitical Tensions

At 64, Mr. Kanasugi is not only recognized for his expertise in Korean affairs but also for his adept intelligence-gathering skills—a trait that has served him well in past diplomatic endeavors.

His involvement in high-level diplomacy was highlighted during the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s visit to China in 2018, where Mr. Kanasugi demonstrated his acumen alongside Abe in meetings with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Mr. Kanasugi has publicly addressed the complexities of engaging with China under Mr. Xi’s leadership, advocating for a balanced approach that challenges the CCP’s harmful actions while encouraging positive reform.

Emphasizing the role of public opinion and international law, Mr. Kanasugi underlines the importance of Japan’s clear communication and assertiveness on the global stage, especially regarding maritime sovereignty in the South China Sea.

Addressing North Asian security, Mr. Kanasugi reaffirms the significance of a cohesive United States–Japan–South Korea partnership. He posits that the strength of the relationship between Japan and South Korea lies not only in their mutual cooperation but also in their collective ability to inform and influence U.S. policy.

Chinese state media, preemptively branding Mr. Kanasugi as an “intelligence boss,” and questioning his knowledge of China, has underscored the attention his appointment has drawn, even before he steps into his new role. His extensive experience, culminating in his tenure as Ambassador to Indonesia, has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of Asia-Pacific strategies.

A Recalibrated Approach

Despite the China School background of the current Ambassador to China, Mr. Tarumi, his tenure showcased a firm diplomatic approach towards the CCP, reinforcing Japan’s assertive stance on regional security and sovereignty issues.

Notably, under Mr. Tarumi’s watch, Japan steered the G7 summit in Hiroshima to oppose the CCP’s aggressive postures in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, advocating for the ‘de-risking’ of global industrial chains in relation to China. His forthright responses to Chinese accusations, particularly regarding Fukushima’s treated nuclear water and the ban on Japanese seafood, exemplify a steadfast diplomatic stance.

Nonetheless, with Sino–Japanese relations experiencing considerable strain, the decision to appoint Mr. Kanasugi, with his background in Korean affairs, marks a shift in Japan’s diplomatic strategy. The move signals Japan’s intent to recalibrate its approach towards China amidst the CCP’s nationalistic fervor and military assertions in the region.

According to political commentator Ji Da, Japan’s new diplomatic direction, as signified by Mr. Kanasugi’s appointment, is a calculated response to the prevailing nationalistic narrative within China. The overarching strategy seeks to reinforce alliances with the United States and South Korea, strengthening the trilateral partnership to counter regional threats posed by the CCP and North Korea. Mr. Kanasugi’s assignment underscores Japan’s broader strategic recalibration, reflecting a nuanced and deliberate pivot in its foreign policy endeavors.