Event Report: Diplomacy in Japan and Beyond: Career Reflections with Consul Ota Tomohiro
On Monday 23rd March 2026, the Centre for the Study of Global Japan (CSGJ) hosted Consul Ota Tomohiro from the Consulate-General of Japan in Toronto for a student-exclusive guest talk. He shared his experiences and reflections on his career in the Japanese foreign service and offered advice to CSGJ student affiliates.
Consul Ota began by describing his academic and career journey, studying cultural anthropology at the International Christian University in Tokyo and entering the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in 2007. He then earned his Master's degree in France. He then explained the structure and goals of MOFA, including its stated aims to ensure growth and prosperity of the Japanese economy; achieve peace and stability in governance; advance development cooperation efforts; promote an understanding of Japan in the world; and promote “diplomacy with the people”. The MOFA is headquartered in Tokyo and operates 234 overseas missions in 156 countries.
Furthermore, Ota shared his experience working at the headquarters of the African Affairs Department of MOFA, which endeavored to forge mutually beneficial relationships between African countries and Japan. Ota recounted his personal involvement in preparing for Prime Minister Abe’s visit to Senegal, as well as organising the logistical details of the TICAD conference in 2016. He explained his role as an interpreter between Japanese and French, among many other projects. He also described his overseas work in Haiti, where he supported initial reconstruction efforts after the 2010 earthquake, coordinating with UN officials in Haiti and the Japanese Self-Defence Forces that had been deployed as part of the peacekeeping operation. Lastly, he described his placement in Tunisia where he led negotiations for technical cooperation with the Tunisian foreign minister.
Finally, Ota shared his past year working in Toronto, facilitating local relationships between Japan and Canada through educational and cultural exchanges, including the Kakehashi exchange and JET program.
After the presentation, Consul Ota opened the floor to a lively Q&A period where students asked questions on the nature, challenges and rewards of foreign service. We extend our sincere gratitude to Consul Ota Tomohiro for taking the time to visit the Centre and share his experiences in foreign service.
