The daughter of late President John F. Kennedy arrived in Tokyo two days after being sworn in Washington as the U.S.’s first female envoy to Japan.
Her appointment will become official in Japan after she presents her credentials to Emperor Akihito early next week during a visit to his palace.
The appointment of his only surviving child is viewed as a significant honor and interpreted as a sign of Japan’s own prominent standing in Washington’s foreign policy map.
Yoshihide Suga, Japan’s chief government spokesman, said shortly after her arrival. “Her father is the most admired U.S. president among Japanese people. We welcome her in that sense as well.”
Many Japanese view the 55-year-old scion of the legendary political family with a curiosity and affection not unlike that they exhibit toward members of Japan’s imperial family.
“Hefty Presence of a Celebrity Ambassador,” one headline in the leading daily Asahi Shimbun read. “A Special Princess,” proclaimed Evening Fuji, a tabloid.
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