Ryozo Kato to become longest-serving Japan ambassador to U.S.

Ryozo Kato to become longest-serving Japan ambassador to U.S.

WASHINGTON, United States - File photo of Ryozo Kato, who will become the longest-serving Japanese ambassador to the United States on Sunday, having carried out his duties in Washington for over five years and nine months. Kato, 65, who was appointed ambassador in September 2001 and assumed his duties in late October that year, will break the previous record set by Koichiro Asakai from 1957 to 1963.

Japan, Singapore reach basic accord on FTA

Japan, Singapore reach basic accord on FTA

TOKYO, Japan - Kazuo Asakai, Japan's chief negotiator for a free trade agreement (FTA) with Singapore, announces at a news conference Oct. 12 at the Foreign Ministry that the two countries have reached a basic accord for concluding the bilateral FTA. The agreement was reached after last-ditch efforts earlier in the day, the final day of the countries' fourth round of negotiations.

Ryozo Kato to become longest-serving Japan ambassador to U.S.

Ryozo Kato to become longest-serving Japan ambassador to U.S.

WASHINGTON, United States - File photo of Ryozo Kato, who will become the longest-serving Japanese ambassador to the United States on Sunday, having carried out his duties in Washington for over five years and nine months. Kato, 65, who was appointed ambassador in September 2001 and assumed his duties in late October that year, will break the previous record set by Koichiro Asakai from 1957 to 1963. (Kyodo)

Japan envoy Kato says alliance with U.S. strengthened

Japan envoy Kato says alliance with U.S. strengthened

WASHINGTON, United States - Outgoing Japanese Ambassador to the United States Ryozo Kato speaks at a news conference at the Japanese Embassy in Washington on May 12. Kato became Japan's longest-serving ambassador to the United States last August, breaking the previous record set by Koichiro Asakai from 1957 to 1963. (Kyodo)

Japan, Singapore reach basic accord on FTA

Japan, Singapore reach basic accord on FTA

TOKYO, Japan - Kazuo Asakai, Japan's chief negotiator for a free trade agreement (FTA) with Singapore, announces at a news conference Oct. 12 at the Foreign Ministry that the two countries have reached a basic accord for concluding the bilateral FTA. The agreement was reached after last-ditch efforts earlier in the day, the final day of the countries' fourth round of negotiations.