From improving tourism, navigating the sensitivity of the Marines relocation, to strengthening ties between Guam and Japan, new consul general of Japan Susumu Ueda sat down with KUAM News to talk about his top priorities during his term on island. He shares how his time in the Belgrade kickstarted his diplomatic career during a tumultuous time and what he learned from the peace-building efforts.

Ueda’s diplomatic career started in June 1991 at the Japan Embassy in the former capital of Yugoslavia. He was just 27 years old during the tumultuous time, with civil war breaking out that same month.

"At the same month, the conflict of the former Yugoslavia started. So since then, I have followed the development of the situation and I have also been involved in the reconstruction and peace building process in the region," he recalled. He says during that period of time, Japan began to actively participate in the post-conflict peace-building process.

"It was a very valuable experience for me to participate and contribute to that process as a member of the international community," Ueda detailed.

From there, he went on to hold several key positions in Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs before he stepped into his new role in November. "One of my key responsibilities as the consul general of Japan is to promote the interests of Japanese nationals residing in or traveling to Guam," he said. "But I would like to speak about another mission. Although Guam and Japan share a history of difficult experiences, the two have built a strong relationship in the post-war era."

He hopes to strengthen those ties between Guam and Japan, saying he looks forward to working together with local authorities, the military and the local community at large. "Following the footsteps of my predecessors, I believe my important mission is to reflect on past events and empathize with the feelings of the people of Guam," he said.

Ueda’s term coincides at a time tensions are brewing among the local community as United States Marines begin relocating from Okinawa to Guam., of which he commented, "We would like to thank the people of Guam for their understanding and cooperation. The Japanese government and the U.S. Government confirmed that the relocation will take place in a phased approach and the Marine Corps will maintain a forward presence in the Indo-Pacific Region, through a combination of stationing and rotating Marines in Japan, Guam and Hawaii."

And this comes during a year when Japan’s Yen hit a record low while the island’s tourism industry struggles to recover to pre-pandemic levels. "Although the Yen is weak, this does not mean that Japanese people have stopped touring the world. Guam was once popular as a place that was affordable, close and convenient," said Ueda. "But the Japanese market has changed and I feel like this is no longer the case."

He says it’s important to create a new outlook for Japanese visitors and emphasize that Guam is safe and secure, close and convenient "so that they will be more enticed to come for tourism. I will work closely with Guam authorities and cooperate with tourism related parties and the local community to make Guam a more attractive place."

In the meantime, the new consul-general has only been on island for about a month. He says he looks forward to discovering more of Guam’s many charms.

"I would like to enjoy that by visiting many places and meeting many people. Then, I would like to learn more about this beautiful island, including the history and culture of the CHamoru people," he said.