What is the official title of the United States representative to Japan?

The official title of the representative is the Ambassador of the United States of America to Japan. In Japanese, this position is known as 日本駐在米合衆国大使, which is romanized as Chū Nihonkoku Amerika Gasshūkoku Taishi.

Who is the current incumbent Ambassador of the United States to Japan, and when did they assume the role?

The current incumbent Ambassador of the United States to Japan is George Edward Glass, who assumed the position on April 18, 2025.

What are the formal and informal styles of address for the U.S. Ambassador to Japan?

The informal style of address for the Ambassador is Mr. Ambassador, while the formal style is The Honorable.

Who nominates and appoints the United States Ambassador to Japan?

The President of the United States nominates the ambassador, and the appointment is made by the President with the advice and consent of the United States Senate.

When was the position of Ambassador of the United States to Japan established?

The formation date for this diplomatic post was November 5, 1859.

What is the primary website for the U.S. Embassy in Japan?

The primary website for the U.S. Embassy in Japan is jp.usembassy.gov.

When did the United States first establish diplomatic relations with Japan, and what event marked this beginning?

The United States began its diplomatic relations with Japan in 1854, initiated by the use of gunboat diplomacy by Commodore Matthew C. Perry.

For what period did the United States and Japan not maintain diplomatic relations?

Diplomatic relations between the United States and Japan were suspended for a ten-year period, starting from the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 until the signing of the Treaty of San Francisco.

What is the significance of the Treaty of San Francisco in the context of U.S.-Japan relations?

The Treaty of San Francisco, signed after World War II, normalized diplomatic relations between the United States and Japan, ending the period of suspended relations that began with the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Where is the main U.S. Embassy located in Japan, and what other consular offices are maintained?

The United States maintains its embassy in Tokyo. Additionally, there are consulates-general located in Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo, Fukuoka, and Naha.

According to the U.S. Department of State, how important are relations with Japan?

The U.S. Department of State describes Japan as "the cornerstone of the U.S. security interests in Asia," highlighting the significant role of relations between the two countries, particularly in recent years concerning trade and defense.

What notable American politicians have served as Ambassador to Japan?

Several prominent American politicians have held the post of Ambassador to Japan, including Mike Mansfield, Walter Mondale, Tom Foley, Howard Baker, and Rahm Emanuel.

Who was the first chief of mission for the United States in Japan, and when did they present their credentials?

The first chief of mission was Townsend Harris, who presented his credentials on November 5, 1859.

When did Townsend Harris's term as Resident Minister conclude?

Townsend Harris's term as Resident Minister concluded on April 26, 1862, when he presented his recall.

Who succeeded Townsend Harris as Resident Minister, and what was the duration of their service?

Robert H. Pruyn succeeded Townsend Harris, presenting his credentials on May 17, 1862, and leaving Japan on April 28, 1866.

What happened with Chauncey Depew's appointment as Resident Minister?

Chauncey Depew was commissioned during a Senate recess but declined the appointment, meaning his term was effectively nullified with no date for end of term.

Who served as the U.S. Resident Minister to Japan from May 1867 to November 1869?

Robert B. Van Valkenburgh served as the U.S. Resident Minister to Japan during that period, presenting his recall on November 11, 1869.

Who was the last Resident Minister of the United States to Japan, and what was their subsequent role?

Charles E. DeLong was the last Resident Minister, serving until June 9, 1872, when he was promoted to Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary.

Who held the title of Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary after Charles E. DeLong's initial term?

John Bingham succeeded Charles E. DeLong in this role, presenting his credentials on October 7, 1873, and serving until July 2, 1885.

Which U.S. Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Japan died in office?

John Franklin Swift died in office on March 10, 1891, after presenting his credentials on May 15, 1889.

Who served as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary from June 1892 to July 1893, and who followed them?

Frank Coombs served from June 13, 1892, until July 14, 1893, when Edwin Dun presented his credentials, serving until July 2, 1897.

Which two Envoys Extraordinary and Ministers Plenipotentiary died in office during the late 19th century?

Alfred Buck died in office on December 4, 1902, after presenting credentials on June 3, 1898. John Franklin Swift also died in office on March 10, 1891.

Who was the first U.S. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Japan, and when did they begin their service?

Luke E. Wright was the first Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, presenting his credentials on May 26, 1906, and serving until August 13, 1907.

Which U.S. Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Japan left office in August 1911 and October 1912, respectively?

Thomas J. O'Brien left office on August 31, 1911, and Charles Page Bryan, who presented credentials on November 22, 1911, left office on October 1, 1912.

Who served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary for a brief period in early 1913?

Larz Anderson served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary from February 1, 1913, until March 15, 1913, when he left Japan.

Which Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Japan died in office in March 1917?

George W. Guthrie, who presented his credentials on August 7, 1913, died in office on March 8, 1917.

Who served as U.S. Ambassador to Japan from October 1917 to May 1920?

Roland S. Morris served as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Japan during that period, leaving Japan on May 15, 1920.

Which U.S. Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Japan served between September 1921 and June 1924?

Charles B. Warren served from September 24, 1921, to January 28, 1923, followed by Cyrus Woods, who served from July 21, 1923, to June 5, 1924.

Who was the U.S. Ambassador to Japan from November 1924 until July 1925?

Edgar Bancroft served as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary from November 19, 1924, until his death in office on July 27, 1925.

Which ambassadors served between December 1925 and March 1932, and what were their reasons for leaving office?

Charles MacVeagh served from December 9, 1925, to December 6, 1928, leaving Japan. William Castle, Jr. served from January 24, 1930, to May 27, 1930, also leaving Japan. W. Cameron Forbes served from September 15, 1930, to March 22, 1932, leaving Japan.

Who was the U.S. Ambassador to Japan when the United States declared war on Japan in 1941?

Joseph Grew was the U.S. Ambassador to Japan at the time of the U.S. declaration of war on Japan, leaving his post on December 8, 1941.

Who held ambassadorial rank in Japan during the Allied occupation period following World War II?

George Atcheson Jr. served as a political advisor to SCAP (Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers) with ambassadorial rank in 1946. William J. Sebald also held ambassadorial rank as Chief, Diplomatic Section, GHQ, SCAP, from 1947 to 1952.

Who was the first U.S. Ambassador to Japan after the normalization of relations following World War II?

Robert D. Murphy was the first U.S. Ambassador to Japan after the war, presenting his credentials on May 9, 1952, and relinquishing charge on April 28, 1953.

Which ambassadors served between May 1953 and January 1969, and what was the longest tenure among them?

John M. Allison served from May 28, 1953, to February 2, 1957. Douglas MacArthur II served from February 25, 1957, to March 12, 1961. Edwin Reischauer served from April 27, 1961, to August 19, 1966. U. Alexis Johnson served from November 8, 1966, to January 15, 1969. Mike Mansfield had the longest tenure among these, serving from June 10, 1977, to December 22, 1988.

Who served as U.S. Ambassador to Japan during the Nixon and Ford administrations?

Robert S. Ingersoll served from April 12, 1972, to November 8, 1973, followed by James Day Hodgson, who served from July 19, 1974, to February 2, 1977.

Which ambassador served the longest continuous term among those listed from 1977 onwards?

Mike Mansfield served the longest continuous term, from June 10, 1977, to December 22, 1988, a period of over 11 years.

Who succeeded Mike Mansfield as the U.S. Ambassador to Japan?

Michael Armacost succeeded Mike Mansfield, presenting his credentials on May 15, 1989, and serving until July 19, 1993.

Which former Vice President of the United States served as Ambassador to Japan?

Walter Mondale, a former Vice President, served as the U.S. Ambassador to Japan from September 21, 1993, to December 15, 1996.

Who served as Ambassador to Japan immediately before and after the turn of the millennium?

Tom Foley served from November 19, 1997, to April 1, 2001. Howard Baker served from July 5, 2001, to February 17, 2005.

Who were the U.S. Ambassadors to Japan from 2005 to 2017?

Tom Schieffer served from April 11, 2005, to January 20, 2009. John Roos served from August 20, 2009, to August 12, 2013. Caroline Kennedy served from November 12, 2013, to January 18, 2017.

Who served as the U.S. Ambassador to Japan immediately prior to Rahm Emanuel?

Bill Hagerty served as the U.S. Ambassador to Japan from August 31, 2017, to July 22, 2019.

When was Rahm Emanuel confirmed as Ambassador to Japan, and what is his current tenure?

Rahm Emanuel was confirmed on December 22, 2021, and assumed the role on March 25, 2022. His tenure is listed as ongoing until January 15, 2025, with George Edward Glass being the incumbent thereafter.

What does the "See also" section suggest regarding related diplomatic roles?

The "See also" section lists related diplomatic roles such as Ambassadors of the United States, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States, and specific embassies like the Embassy of the United States in Tokyo and the Embassy of Japan in Washington, D.C. It also points to broader topics like foreign relations and specific treaties between the two nations.

What historical agreements between the U.S. and Japan are mentioned in the "See also" section?

The historical agreements mentioned include the Convention of Kanagawa, the Treaty of Amity and Commerce (United States–Japan), the Security Treaty Between the United States and Japan, the Treaty of San Francisco, and the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the United States and Japan.

What is the significance of the U.S. Department of State's seal and the flag of a U.S. ambassador as depicted in the infobox?

The Seal of the United States Department of State signifies the governmental body responsible for the ambassador's appointment and oversight, while the flag of a United States ambassador is a visual symbol representing the ambassador's official status and authority.

What does the presence of a "More footnotes needed" template indicate about the article's sourcing?

The "More footnotes needed" template indicates that while the article may contain general references, it lacks sufficient specific inline citations to support all its claims, suggesting a need for improved referencing practices.

List Of Ambassadors Of The United States To Japan Wiki: The Diplomatic Nexus: US Ambassadors to Japan

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The Ambassadorial Role

Ambassador to Japan

The Ambassador of the United States of America to Japan serves as the principal diplomatic representative of the United States in Japan. This esteemed position involves fostering and managing the complex bilateral relationship between the two nations, which the U.S. Department of State has described as a cornerstone of American security interests in Asia.

Historical Context

The United States has maintained diplomatic relations with Japan since 1854, following Commodore Matthew C. Perry's expedition. This relationship, with a notable interruption during World War II, has evolved significantly, encompassing critical areas such as trade, security, and cultural exchange. The post of Ambassador to Japan has been held by numerous influential figures in American politics and public service.

Key Information

Incumbent: George Edward Glass (as of April 18, 2025)
Department: United States Department of State
Style: Mr. Ambassador (informal), The Honorable (formal)
Nominator: The President of the United States
Appointer: The President with Senate advice and consent
Formation: November 5, 1859
Website: U.S. Embassy – Japan

A Legacy of Diplomacy

Early Engagements

The formal diplomatic relationship between the United States and Japan commenced in 1854, initiated through Commodore Matthew C. Perry's strategic deployment of naval power, commonly referred to as "gunboat diplomacy." This period marked the beginning of structured diplomatic engagement, leading to the establishment of resident ministers.

Interruption and Resumption

The diplomatic ties experienced a significant hiatus between the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 and the subsequent U.S. declaration of war, and the eventual normalization of relations following the signing of the Treaty of San Francisco. Post-war, the U.S. re-established its diplomatic presence with an embassy in Tokyo and consulates in key cities.

Notable Envoys

Given the strategic importance of Japan to U.S. foreign policy, particularly concerning trade and defense in the Asia-Pacific region, the role of Ambassador has attracted prominent figures. Historically, individuals such as Mike Mansfield, Walter Mondale, Tom Foley, Howard Baker, and Rahm Emanuel have served in this capacity, each contributing to the enduring alliance.

List of Chiefs of Mission

Historical Appointments

The following table details the individuals who have served as the United States' chief diplomatic representative to Japan, categorized by their official title and tenure.

This comprehensive list outlines the progression of U.S. diplomatic leadership in Japan, from early resident ministers to modern ambassadors.

Name	Presented Credentials	Reason for End of Term	Date of End of Term
Townsend Harris	November 5, 1859	Presented recall	April 26, 1862
Robert H. Pruyn	May 17, 1862	Left Japan	April 28, 1866
Chauncey Depew*	N/A	*(commissioned during a Senate recess; declined appointment)	N/A
Robert B. Van Valkenburgh	May 4, 1867	Presented recall	November 11, 1869
Charles E. DeLong	November 11, 1869	Promoted to envoy	June 9, 1872
Charles E. DeLong	June 9, 1872	Farewell address	October 7, 1873
John Bingham	October 7, 1873	Presented recall	July 2, 1885
Richard B. Hubbard	July 2, 1885	Presented recall	May 15, 1889
John Franklin Swift	May 15, 1889	Died in office	March 10, 1891
Frank Coombs	June 13, 1892	Presented recall	July 14, 1893
Edwin Dun	July 14, 1893	Presented recall	July 2, 1897
Alfred Buck	June 3, 1898	Died in office	December 4, 1902
Lloyd Carpenter Griscom	June 22, 1903	Left Japan	November 19, 1905
Luke E. Wright	May 26, 1906	Left Japan	August 13, 1907
Thomas J. O'Brien	October 15, 1907	Left office	August 31, 1911
Charles Page Bryan	November 22, 1911	Left office	October 1, 1912
Larz Anderson	February 1, 1913	Left Japan	March 15, 1913
George W. Guthrie	August 7, 1913	Died in office	March 8, 1917
Roland S. Morris	October 30, 1917	Left Japan	May 15, 1920
Charles B. Warren	September 24, 1921	Left office	January 28, 1923
Cyrus Woods	July 21, 1923	Left Japan	June 5, 1924
Edgar Bancroft	November 19, 1924	Died in office	July 27, 1925
Charles MacVeagh	December 9, 1925	Left Japan	December 6, 1928
William Castle, Jr.	January 24, 1930	Left office	May 27, 1930
W. Cameron Forbes	September 15, 1930	Left Japan	March 22, 1932
Joseph Grew	June 14, 1932	Left Japan upon US declaration of war	December 8, 1941
George Atcheson Jr.**	1946	(**Political advisor to SCAP of ambassadorial rank.)	1946
William J. Sebald***	1947	(***Chief, Diplomatic Section, GHQ, SCAP - of ambassadorial rank)	1952
Robert D. Murphy	May 9, 1952	Relinquished charge	April 28, 1953
John M. Allison	May 28, 1953	Left office	February 2, 1957
Douglas MacArthur II	February 25, 1957	Left office	March 12, 1961
Edwin Reischauer	April 27, 1961	Left office	August 19, 1966
U. Alexis Johnson	November 8, 1966	Left office	January 15, 1969
Armin H. Meyer	July 3, 1969	Left office	March 27, 1972
Robert S. Ingersoll	April 12, 1972	Left office	November 8, 1973
James Day Hodgson	July 19, 1974	Left office	February 2, 1977
Mike Mansfield	June 10, 1977	Left office	December 22, 1988
Michael Armacost	May 15, 1989	Left office	July 19, 1993
Walter Mondale	September 21, 1993	Left office	December 15, 1996
Tom Foley	November 19, 1997	Left office	April 1, 2001
Howard Baker	July 5, 2001	Farewell address	February 17, 2005
Tom Schieffer	April 11, 2005	Left office	January 20, 2009
John Roos	August 20, 2009	Left office	August 12, 2013
Caroline Kennedy	November 12, 2013	Left office	January 18, 2017
Bill Hagerty	August 31, 2017	Left office	July 22, 2019
Rahm Emanuel	March 25, 2022	Left office	January 15, 2025
George Glass	April 18, 2025	Incumbent

Important Notes

Clarifications

The provided list includes individuals who served in various capacities, such as Resident Ministers, Envoys Extraordinary and Ministers Plenipotentiary, and Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, reflecting the evolution of diplomatic titles and responsibilities over time. Special roles, like political advisors of ambassadorial rank during the post-war occupation period, are also noted.

External Resources

Official Links

Access further information directly from official sources:

The Japan Times: U.S. ambassador a role most vital
U.S. Department of State: Background notes on Japan
U.S. Bilateral Relations Fact Sheets
U.S. Department of State: Chiefs of Mission for Japan
United States Embassy in Tokyo

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References

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This content has been generated by an AI and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is based on publicly available data, which may not always be entirely accurate, complete, or current. The information provided is not a substitute for professional consultation or official documentation.

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The Diplomatic Nexus

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The Ambassadorial Role

Ambassador to Japan

Historical Context

Key Information

A Legacy of Diplomacy

Early Engagements

Interruption and Resumption

Notable Envoys

List of Chiefs of Mission

Historical Appointments

Related Topics

International Relations

Diplomatic Institutions

Important Notes

Clarifications

External Resources

Official Links

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The Diplomatic Nexus

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🇯🇵 Historical Context

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A Legacy of Diplomacy ⏳

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⚔️ Interruption and Resumption

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List of Chiefs of Mission 👥

📅 Historical Appointments

Related Topics 🔗

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The Ambassadorial Role

Ambassador to Japan

Historical Context

Key Information

A Legacy of Diplomacy

Early Engagements

Interruption and Resumption

Notable Envoys

List of Chiefs of Mission

Historical Appointments

Related Topics

International Relations

Diplomatic Institutions

Important Notes

Clarifications

External Resources

Official Links

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

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References

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Important Notice