Chapter 4
Japan's Diplomacy Open to the Public
3 The Roles of Think Tanks and Experts in Diplomacy
The roles of think tanks and experts in diplomacy include promoting public understanding of diplomatic and security issues in a way that is not constrained by official government views, making intellectual contributions that produce ideas for diplomatic and security policies, building global intellectual networks, and communicating Japan's perspectives to other countries. Seminars and news commentaries by think tanks and experts are essential for improving public understanding of diplomatic and security issues as well as the government's standpoint, and gaining public understanding can further enhance the effectiveness of the government's diplomatic activities. Moreover, gathering information, conducting analyses, and making policy recommendations by leveraging expertise and viewpoints that are different from the ones of the government also enrich discussions on diplomatic policies within the government. Global intellectual exchanges are also important in the sense that they promote understanding of Japan among various countries and regions, and contribute to shaping public opinions in the international community. With the growing complexity and uncertainty in the international community, the roles of think tanks and experts in diplomacy are becoming increasingly important.
Against this backdrop, MOFA provides subsidies to support Japanese think tanks' research activities in the field of foreign and security policy, in order to strengthen their capabilities to collect, analyze and disseminate information, to make policy proposals, and to further promote Japan's comprehensive diplomacy. In FY2022, the scheme provided support to 13 projects under seven organizations, and it is effectively promoting policy proposals to policymakers that are in line with the ever-changing diplomatic and security environment, exchanges of opinions with overseas think tanks and experts, the publication of papers and dissertations activities by experts, and communications with the media. Furthermore, MOFA launched a new subsidy scheme in FY2017 that aims at supporting research and information dissemination activities of Japanese think tanks in the areas of territory, sovereignty and history. Under the scheme, the Japan Institute of International Affairs (JIIA)1 conducts such activities as the collection, organization and public release of materials found in Japan and overseas as well as the convention of open symposiums in Japan and in other countries. In 2022, as a part of the outcome, JIIA conducted a webinar on the name Sea of Japan by using old maps and archival materials. Furthermore, regarding the Takeshima dispute, JIIA unveiled the “Takeshima Old Map Collection,” a collection of old maps that contain references to Takeshima, and published postwar maps of Japan issued by the Geospatial Authority of Japan as well as Aeronautical Charts produced in the U.S.. It is expected that the scheme will support Japanese think tanks in accumulating historical records and knowledge pertaining to Japan's territory, sovereignty and history, and enhancing their information dissemination domestically and abroad.
1 The relevant section of the Japan Institute of International Affairs (JIIA) website can be found here: https://www.jiia.or.jp/en/
Executive Chefs for Ambassadors/Consuls-general of Japan are licensed cooks or persons with considerable experience working as chefs, who have been recognized by the Minister for Foreign Affairs to engage in official catering work at official residences and other venues for the head of a diplomatic mission overseas (Ambassador/Consul-general). Diplomatic missions overseas are the center for diplomatic activities such as negotiations with governments, information gathering, and the development of personal networks. One of the most effective means of diplomacy is to create opportunities for meals at the official residence of the Ambassador/Consul-general, with guests such as influential politicians, businessmen and government officials from the country of assignment, as well as the diplomatic corps from various countries. For this reason, the head of the diplomatic mission is usually accompanied by the Executive Chef for the Ambassador/Consul-general, an exclusively appointed chef whose aim is to provide high-quality meals.
●ITO Satoshi, Executive Chef, Consul-General of Japan in Chicago
In the kitchen
My name is ITO Satoshi, and I work as the executive chef at the Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago. I took up the position in Chicago in September 2021.
Although it is not as common as in New York and Los Angeles, there are still many Japanese restaurants in Chicago. There is deep understanding about Japanese cuisine among the people, and it is easy to purchase Japanese food such as sushi, soy sauce, tofu, and matcha at the local supermarkets. As a chef, it is very enjoyable and exciting to go to the supermarkets and marketplaces of other countries.
As Chicago is a large city, guests of different ethnicities with varied backgrounds are invited to meals at the official residence of the Consulate-General. In addition to food allergies, based on dietary restrictions due to religion, vegetarianism or veganism due to personal choices or other various reasons, I frequently need to prepare a few different menus for a single meal. Therefore, it is important to first determine the ingredients that cannot be offered to each guest before coming up with a menu to give them the greatest satisfaction.
When preparing a menu and selecting ingredients, I engage in elaborate discussions with the Consul-General, taking into consideration factors such as dietary restrictions, the purpose of the meal, the types of guests, and the season. For example, we may serve nostalgic Japanese cuisine even to Japanese guests, whose lives are deeply rooted to the local area, taking note of the Japanese prefectures where they are originally from. We may create menus that feature local ingredients such as Kansas beef or Iowa pork to those who are visiting the U.S. from Japan.
Sushi roll (makizushi) demonstration on Japan Day
I have once prepared vegetable-based sushi tailored to the unique tastes of vegetarian guests. They said, “I will remember this for life, thank you!” and “It must have been hard as there are many things I cannot eat, yet you managed to produce such wonderful dishes. Thank you!” I feel genuinely happy and fortunate to be a chef when I receive such compliments in person.
In October 2022, I left the official residence with the Consul-General to conduct a sushi roll (makizushi) demonstration at the “Japan Day” event held at a university in Indiana. It was a new experience for me to teach American people, including children, to make sushi rolls while I demonstrated how to do it. During the question-and-answer session, there were participants who raised questions about crucian carp sushi (funa-zushi) and about the history of sushi. This made me realize that there are people who are even more deeply interested in Japanese cuisine than the Japanese people themselves.
Executive Chefs work alone to complete all the processes in the preparation of a meal, including creating the menu, procuring and preparing ingredients, managing inventory, translating the menu into English, as well as the actual meal preparation and plating of the dishes. Moreover, when a chef tries to wield their skills in a foreign country, they frequently face language and cultural barriers. For Executive Chefs to demonstrate their ability at the highest level in such an environment, it is vital to have the support of those around them. I am fortunate to receive much advice and support from the Consul-General and the staff at his official residence, consular staff, as well as all those who provide support to the Consulate-General. This support makes it possible for me to focus on my job.
Being mindful of smooth communication can expand my knowledge as a chef and as an individual, and I think that being granted with the opportunity to learn many things, including languages, is one of the attractions of this job.
While working to improve my capabilities, I will continue to make utmost efforts to demonstrate the best performance possible and fulfill my job at the forefront of diplomacy.
Vegetable sushi
Autumn appetizer
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs accepts applications at any time from candidates who wish to serve in diplomacy as Executive Chefs for Ambassadors/Consuls-general of Japan. If you are interested, please inquire through the following website or the QR code.
[The International Hospitality and Conference Service Association (IHCSA)
http://www.ihcsa.or.jp/zaigaikoukan/cook-1/]
You can also read more about the activities of Executive Chefs for Ambassadors/Consuls-general of Japan through the “MOFA Japan Chef” social media accounts (Facebook and Twitter).
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/MofaJapanChef
Twitter:https://twitter.com/mofa_japan_chef
Were you aware that there are roles at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that do not involve diplomacy, known as “technical officials?” As the “face of Japan,” overseas establishments such as Japanese embassies abroad provide the bases and settings for Japan's diplomatic activities, and they serve as the last strongholds for protecting Japanese nationals during emergencies. Technical officials manage, design, construct, operate and maintain these facilities. It can be said that they support diplomatic activities behind the scenes, while partly shouldering the huge responsibility of protecting the lives of Japanese nationals. Here, we feature NAGAI Yuta, a technical official of the Building and Repair section, who is responsible for construction, maintenance and repair duties at the Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka, who describes the work that technical officials do.
●Preserving and reviving a Historical Building
NAGAI Yuta, Technical Official of the Building and Repair Section, Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka
It is often said that a building reflects the history and culture of its time. The old building of the Embassy of Japan, in Sri Lanka was built during the British colonial era, about 130 years ago. Its structure is brick, and the exterior features vertically long bay windows that are characteristic of brick buildings, while the front entrance has arched porticos (pillared porches). The creative artistry from those days has remained to the present day, largely unchanged. The interior features decorative ceilings and beautiful triple arches extending in the east-west direction. Described as a Renaissance style building, it was purchased by the Government of Japan in the 1970s for use as its embassy. However, as 130 years had passed since it was first built, there were various problems, such as deterioration over time and building safety issues. Hence, large-scale extension and renovation works are now being carried out to improve and reinforce the functions required for use as an embassy.
Front exterior of the old building
Triple arches and central staircase
In carrying out the extension and renovation works, we are required by the Department of Archaeology of Sri Lanka to restore some of the interiors, reuse materials, and preserve the exterior brick walls (front and both sides) in order to retain the historical value of the building. Retaining the old parts of a building, even partially, requires considerable information and knowledge about that building. However, because this is a very old building, as explained above, there are hardly any design blueprints left in existence. Amidst the constraints, I am working together with all other parties involved in the construction work to create an embassy that strikes a balance between functionality and design. We are moving forward with restoration and preservation work while constantly exploring ways to maintain harmony between the new and old parts of the building.
As is often the case when working on an old building, we found a reinforced concrete beam (a horizontal structural component) when dismantling the interior of the building. As this beam could not be removed for structural reasons, we had to work creatively to retain it without damaging the aesthetics of the interior. To partition out new rooms inside the building while preserving the exterior of the old building, it was necessary to partially retain the interior walls supporting the exterior walls, and to reinforce the foundation of the exterior brick walls to make them stronger. Furthermore, in order to allow sufficient light to enter the building, we are examining methods of producing openings (cutouts in the wall to fit in windows) that can prevent the bricks at the top from falling down when new windows are installed in the brick walls.
As described so far, rather than taking the easy path of destroying everything to build something new, we are taking the route of preservation which enhances the depth and dignity of the building through its cumulative history, as with the old wooden architectures found in Kyoto and Nara in Japan. I believe the result will charm and fascinate people who visit the building after its renovation.
Against the backdrop of the current difficult social conditions in Sri Lanka, proceeding with such complex construction work is accompanied by great difficulties. However, everyone involved is working hard together to complete it on schedule, and to create a building that serves as a symbol of Japan. Featuring a multipurpose hall, library, and public relations and culture exhibition room, and it will be part of the important facilities for actively promoting Japan to the outside world. As a technical official, I take pride in the fact that after the completion of the works, this revived building will be used once again by a wide range of people as a stage for diplomacy.
Front of the old building: Group photograph with those involved in the construction work
In consultation with workers at the construction site (the author is on the far right)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recruits technical officials from candidates who have passed the National Civil Service Examination for General Service (University Graduate Level), Technical Categories (Examination Categories: Architecture, Digital/Electrical/Electronics, Machinery). If you are interested, please visit the recruitment website via the following website or the QR code on the right.
[The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “National Civil Service Examination for General Service (University Graduates, Technical)”]
https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/ms/prs/page23_003447.html
The Diplomatic Bluebook has been published every year since 1957 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and offers an outline record of the international situation and Japan's diplomatic activities of the previous year. This bluebook has significance not only from the perspective of promoting understanding of Japan's diplomacy within and outside Japan, but also as a historical record. This Column introduces some examples in which the Diplomatic Bluebook is used for research activities at universities.
●Sharing understanding of Japan's diplomacy through the Diplomatic Bluebook
Students from the seminar on contemporary Chinese politics and foreign policy, Faculty of Policy Management, Keio University
TONOIKE Ai, ZHAO Liuxing, SAKAI Tomohiro, YEUNG Takming, MOGAMI Sora, LI Anqi
Our seminar brings together undergraduate students who are interested in contemporary Chinese politics and diplomacy, and Japan-China relations. As a part of the seminar's activities, we read the “Diplomatic Bluebook” in turns to understand changes in the views of (the Government of) Japan toward China. For example, we compare, from various angles, how China is depicted in the Bluebook, such as by analyzing the unique expressions used in relation to China, or by counting the number of times specific words appear in the text. Although it is somewhat tedious work, the Diplomatic Bluebook serves as the ideal material to deepen understanding of the multifaceted nature of Japan's diplomacy toward China (politics, security, economic cooperation, people-to-people exchanges), as well as to consider how Japan's diplomacy toward China has developed while thinking about how Japan has made use of Asia as a “space” to date. It is also useful material to engage in critical discussions about Japan's diplomacy today.
Above all, what attracts us the most is that the Diplomatic Bluebook is authored by officials of MOFA, who are working in the frontlines of Japan's diplomacy. Moreover, as it provides an overall picture of Japan's diplomacy, it allows readers to learn about the international environment Japan faces - lying between the two superpowers: the U.S. and China - and to expand our horizons. These make it a very interesting document.
There is strong impression that the Diplomatic Bluebook is a dry and uninteresting book, and we do actually feel this at times. It felt like something distant from our lives. However, it can be quite interesting if we read it from the perspective that it is a book explaining international relations to its readers (Japanese citizens), and with a desire to interpret its message. As a typical example, by counting the number of times and analyzing the periods in which the phrase “Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests” appears in the text, it is possible to grasp the changing process of Japan-China relations. Furthermore, by comparing it to other government publications with overlapping policy areas, such as “Defense of Japan,” it is possible to grasp the differences in views between the respective ministries, and to get a glimpse into the government's adjustments to policy areas that it places importance on.
Discussions among seminar students, using the Diplomatic Bluebook as the study material
Of course, there are also some points that we are not satisfied with. Unlike the media, the Diplomatic Bluebook is a document that provides accurate and detailed information about Japan's diplomacy from the government's point of view. However, when the question arises of what a “Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests” actually means, for example, the Diplomatic Bluebook does not seem to offer a clear explanation. In such cases, we have to check other government documents for clarification, and that gives us an impression that it narrows its own door to readers.
In our seminar, which comprises students of multiple nationalities, it is an interesting experience to use the Diplomatic Bluebook as a material to understand Japan's stance toward China, and to reach an understanding among everyone. Studying the Diplomatic Bluebook, a public document that everyone can access, in our seminar is very meaningful in the sense that it not only facilitates individual understanding, but also allows us to gain mutual understanding of knowledge and engage in lively discussions.
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