About Us
Greetings from Ambassador KIYA Masahiko, Ambassador in charge of Okinawan Affairs
I am KIYA Masahiko, Ambassador in charge of Okinawan Affairs. I assumed my position on November 25, 2025, succeeding Ambassador MIYAGAWA Manabu. I am delighted to serve in Okinawa, a land blessed with a long history and rich culture.
Since joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1987, I have served in eight countries across Europe, Africa, North America, Asia, and Oceania, gaining broad experience in fields ranging from security to economic affairs, international cooperation, and cultural exchange. Most recently, I spent three years in Jakarta, Indonesia, as Ambassador of Japan to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), working to strengthen cooperation and exchange between Japan, ASEAN, and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
As Ambassador in charge of Okinawan Affairs, I will do my utmost to nurture a relationship of trust and mitigate the impact on local communities, including preventing incidents and accidents, reducing the impact of the US military activities on people’s daily lives, and promoting the consolidation and the return of U.S. facilities and areas, by actively listening to the opinions and requests of local communities and fostering deeper dialogue with U.S. military partners in Okinawa where there is a significant presence of U.S. military.
Beyond this, I will proactively support Okinawa’s international exchange and cooperation with countries and regions worldwide, including the United States to foster co-creation and development on the global stage, by making use of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ extensive network. Specifically, I intend to promote various initiatives to empower Okinawa's younger generation to succeed globally.
On a personal note, one of my hobbies is running. I have participated in marathon and trail running races worldwide. I also have a keen interest in history and improving management skills, and enjoy reading and visiting museums. I look forward to visiting various parts of Okinawa and learning its history and culture. I am committed to dedicating myself to realizing peace and prosperity of Japan and the world by leveraging Okinawa's strengths. I look forward to working closely with all of you.
KIYA Masahiko
Ambassador in charge of Okinawan Affairs
Curriculum Vitae / Professional Background
Date of Birth
December 23, 1964
Place of Birth
Hokkaido, Japan
Professional Experience
| April 1987 | Joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) |
|---|---|
| May 1987 | Official, United Nations Policy Division, United Nations Bureau, MOFA |
| July 1988 | Senior Overseas Trainee (English language studies), Embassy of Japan in the United Kingdom |
| July 1990 | Third Secretary, Embassy of Japan in Nigeria |
| July 1992 | Staff, Defense Operations Division, Defense Policy Bureau, Japan Defense Agency (JDA) |
| July 1994 | Assistant Director, Second West European Division, European and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, MOFA |
| July 1996 | Assistant Director, Financial Affairs Division, Minister's Secretariat, MOFA |
| July 1998 | Principal Deputy Director, Second International Economic Affairs Division, Economic Affairs Bureau, MOFA |
| August 2000 | First Secretary (Economic Affairs, Development and Environmental Issues), Embassy of Japan in the United States |
| August 2003 | Counselor (General Affairs, Economic Affairs, and Economic Cooperation), Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh |
| April 2006 | Director, International Peace Cooperation Division, Foreign Policy Bureau, MOFA |
| August 2008 | Director, UN Planning and Coordination Division, Foreign Policy Bureau, MOFA |
| August 2010 | Director, Facilities Improvement Program (FIP) Division, Local Cooperation Bureau, Ministry of Defense |
| September 2012 | Minister (General Affairs and NATO), Embassy of Japan in Belgium |
| April 2015 | Ambassador of Japan to South Sudan |
| September 2017 | Counselor, African Affairs Department, Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau and International Cooperation Bureau, MOFA; Ambassador in charge of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD); Ambassador for Civil Society |
| September 2020 | Consul-General of Japan in Sydney |
| November 2022 | Ambassador of Japan to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) |
| November 2025 | Ambassador in charge of Okinawan Affairs |
Publications
- Building Peace in South Sudan: Team-Japan's Contribution to Peace (Chikuma Shinsho, 2019) [Japanese]
- Why We Engage in International Cooperation: Beyond Humanitarianism and National Interest (Co-authored) (Nihon Hyoron-sha, 2019) [Japanese]