Minister for Foreign Affairs (Japan)

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan is the politician responsible for Japanese foreign policy. He or she is a member of the Cabinet of Japan, and is the chief executive of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Related Topics:
Japan - Cabinet of Japan - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

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Since the end of the American occupation of Japan, the position has been one of the most powerful in Cabinet, as Japan's economic interests have long relied on external relations. The recent efforts of Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi—himself a former foreign minister—to establish a more interventionist foreign policy have also heightened the importance of the position.

Related Topics:
American occupation of Japan - Prime Minister - Junichiro Koizumi

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The current foreign minister (2005) is Nobutaka Machimura.

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