News

1. Overview

(1) Among approximately 5,200 local staff employed at Japan’s overseas missions (Embassies, Consulates, and Permanent Missions), 40 members who have been recognized for their particularly outstanding performance (Note 1) participated in a training program held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan from October 27 to November 3.

(Note 1) Total of 40 members: 11 from Asia, 5 from North America, 5 from Latin America and the Caribbean, 11 from Europe, 2 from the Middle East, and 6 from Africa

(2) The training program included various lectures by the relevant bureaus and divisions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Note 2) and visits to the surrounding areas of Tokyo. On October 28, the 40 participants paid a courtesy call on Mr. Norio Mitsuya, Senior Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, and received his words of appreciation and encouragement.

(Note 2) Lectures by Ministry senior and other officials and external instructors on administrative work, consular affairs, public diplomacy, Japan’s foreign policy, international law,  Japan’s economy, etc.

2. Assessment

(1) The participants deepened their understanding of the mechanisms and policies concerning the various tasks of Japan’s overseas missions, and acquired firsthand the latest knowledge and information about Japan. It is expected that the training will lead to their further contributions to the missions’ work and accordingly further strengthening of the activities of the overseas missions.

(2) It is also expected that such training will further strengthen the activities of Japan’s overseas missions by not only increasing the capacities of participating local staff, but also providing further incentives for all local staff of Japan’s overseas missions to engage in their daily work at the frontlines of diplomacy.