Minister for Foreign Affairs (Japan)

The minister for foreign affairs (外務大臣, Gaimu Daijin) is a member of the cabinet of Japan and is the leader and chief executive of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The minister is responsible for implementing Japan's foreign policy and is also a statutory member of the National Security Council. The minister is nominated by the prime minister and is appointed by the emperor of Japan.

Since the end of the allied occupation of Japan, the position has been one of the most powerful in the cabinet, as Japan's economic interests have long relied on foreign relations. The recent efforts of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and Shinzo Abe to establish a more interventionist foreign policy have also heightened the importance of the position.

The current minister for foreign affairs is Yōko Kamikawa, who took office on September 13, 2023.

List of ministers for foreign affairs

• Italics indicates subject served as Acting Foreign Minister.
• Bold indicates subject served concurrently as Prime Minister for a period of time.

Empire of Japan (1885–1945)

Postwar Japan (1945–present)

  Liberal (1945)
  Imperial Family
  Progressive
  Socialist
  Democratic (1947)
  Democratic Liberal
  Liberal (1950)
  Democratic (1954)
  Liberal Democratic
  Japan Renewal Party
  Japan New Party
  Liberal League
  Democratic

See also

• Foreign minister
• Foreign policy of Japan

Notes

References

External links

• Minister's Profile at Ministry of Foreign Affairs website