Former Japanese Diplomat, Yukio Okamoto Dies From Coronavirus Complications

Okamoto spent more than 20 years as a Foreign Ministry official, being posted at Paris, Cairo and Washington, before establishing Okamoto Associates Inc., a political and economic consultancy.

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After retiring from the foreign ministry in 1991, Okamoto served as an adviser to former prime minister Ryutaro Hashimoto on issues related to Okinawa, home to the bulk of U.S. troops in Japan.

He advised former prime minister Junichiro Koizumi from 2001-2004.

He also taught at Ritsumeikan University and was a senior research fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Center for International Studies.

He also appeared on TV programs as a commentator on foreign affairs and authored many books on the topic.

Former U.S. defence official Richard Armitage called Okamoto a “giant” among those involved in U.S.-Japan affairs and a true patriot.

“This is a shock. And from the coronavirus!” said Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike in a tweet.

koike added: “I received accurate analysis from a global perspective about international politics, trade wars and the like, from a diplomat who was full of Japanese spirit.”