Greetings from the new Ambassador
2026/10/5
Greetings from the new Ambassador-designate of Japan to the Republic of South Sudan
Hello everyone!
My name is MATSUI Shinji, and I have just arrived in Juba as the Ambassador-designate of Japan to the Republic of South Sudan. It is a great honor to be here, and I look forward to working with all of you.
Located north of the Equator in the White Nile basin of the Nile River, South Sudan is blessed with abundant water, and oil and other natural resources. Its land area is approximately 1.7 times that of Japan, while its population is comparable to that of Tokyo with youthful population and 64 ethnic groups. Having gained independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan is now marking fifteenth year as one of the youngest nations in the world. As it continues its journey toward lasting peace and self-reliance, the country benefits from the support of UN peacekeeping operations, in which Japan has contributed personnel from the Japan Self-Defense Forces, as well as humanitarian assistance, bilateral cooperation, and support from our regional and international partners such as African Union.
This is my first assignment in both South Sudan and Africa. Prior to my arrival, I had the privilege of learning from my predecessors and colleagues at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who led the Embassy’s efforts to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals, prepare for unforeseen contingencies, strengthen cooperation with local institutions and international partners, and promote coordination with neighboring countries and regions in support of the peace agreement.
I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to all those who have shared their experiences and insights with me. These include humanitarian assistance to conflict-affected and vulnerable communities, support for displaced persons, JICA’s infrastructure projects in Juba such as bridge construction and water tower installation, vocational training programs for South Sudanese citizens, opportunities for study and training in Japan, and grassroots exchanges with South Sudanese athletes inspired by the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, including the goodwill support of Maebashi City. I am also grateful to those who have shared with me the opportunities and challenges surrounding sectors such as oil industry and honey production. The trust and friendship that have been built through these accumulated efforts form the foundation of the strong partnership between our two countries today.
Together with all of my colleagues at the Embassy, I will place the highest priority on ensuring the safety of Japanese nationals working on the ground despite the existing evacuation advisory, while also strengthening monitoring the situation and communication. Personally, I hope to draw upon my professional experience at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including my work with UNHCR in Geneva and started visiting refugee camps from 2002, my subsequent assignment to the IAEA in Vienna, and my engagement in diplomacy with numerous UN specialized agencies and representatives from around the world, including Africa, on global challenges. Through timely and effective public outreach, I look forward to introducing both the current realities of South Sudan and the unique contributions Japan can make, while fostering mutual understanding and appreciation between our peoples. Together with the people of Japan, I hope to deepen our friendship and cooperation.
Finally, I would like to note that September 21, the day of my arrival, coincided with the International Day of Peace, established by the United Nations. Earlier this month, the Peace Bell at United Nations Headquarters in New York, which was donated by Japan in 1954 and cast from coins contributed by participating countries, was rung in commemoration of the occasion. It is my sincere hope that as 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of Japan's membership in the United Nations, its message resonates with the people of South Sudan, one of the newest members of the United Nations, inspiring efforts to build peace within their hearts beyond differences of position and history, to maintain a safe and secure living environment, and to work together toward a sustainable future. Japan remains committed to supporting these efforts in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders both at home and abroad.
With these remarks, I would like to conclude my greetings upon assuming my post as Ambassador to the Republic of South Sudan.
For more information, including the relations between Japan and South Sudan, please visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website through the link below: https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/area/s_sudan/index.html
Shinji MATSUI, Ambassador-designate of Japan to the Republic of South Sudan
Hello everyone!
My name is MATSUI Shinji, and I have just arrived in Juba as the Ambassador-designate of Japan to the Republic of South Sudan. It is a great honor to be here, and I look forward to working with all of you.
Located north of the Equator in the White Nile basin of the Nile River, South Sudan is blessed with abundant water, and oil and other natural resources. Its land area is approximately 1.7 times that of Japan, while its population is comparable to that of Tokyo with youthful population and 64 ethnic groups. Having gained independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan is now marking fifteenth year as one of the youngest nations in the world. As it continues its journey toward lasting peace and self-reliance, the country benefits from the support of UN peacekeeping operations, in which Japan has contributed personnel from the Japan Self-Defense Forces, as well as humanitarian assistance, bilateral cooperation, and support from our regional and international partners such as African Union.
This is my first assignment in both South Sudan and Africa. Prior to my arrival, I had the privilege of learning from my predecessors and colleagues at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who led the Embassy’s efforts to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals, prepare for unforeseen contingencies, strengthen cooperation with local institutions and international partners, and promote coordination with neighboring countries and regions in support of the peace agreement.
I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to all those who have shared their experiences and insights with me. These include humanitarian assistance to conflict-affected and vulnerable communities, support for displaced persons, JICA’s infrastructure projects in Juba such as bridge construction and water tower installation, vocational training programs for South Sudanese citizens, opportunities for study and training in Japan, and grassroots exchanges with South Sudanese athletes inspired by the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, including the goodwill support of Maebashi City. I am also grateful to those who have shared with me the opportunities and challenges surrounding sectors such as oil industry and honey production. The trust and friendship that have been built through these accumulated efforts form the foundation of the strong partnership between our two countries today.
Together with all of my colleagues at the Embassy, I will place the highest priority on ensuring the safety of Japanese nationals working on the ground despite the existing evacuation advisory, while also strengthening monitoring the situation and communication. Personally, I hope to draw upon my professional experience at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including my work with UNHCR in Geneva and started visiting refugee camps from 2002, my subsequent assignment to the IAEA in Vienna, and my engagement in diplomacy with numerous UN specialized agencies and representatives from around the world, including Africa, on global challenges. Through timely and effective public outreach, I look forward to introducing both the current realities of South Sudan and the unique contributions Japan can make, while fostering mutual understanding and appreciation between our peoples. Together with the people of Japan, I hope to deepen our friendship and cooperation.
Finally, I would like to note that September 21, the day of my arrival, coincided with the International Day of Peace, established by the United Nations. Earlier this month, the Peace Bell at United Nations Headquarters in New York, which was donated by Japan in 1954 and cast from coins contributed by participating countries, was rung in commemoration of the occasion. It is my sincere hope that as 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of Japan's membership in the United Nations, its message resonates with the people of South Sudan, one of the newest members of the United Nations, inspiring efforts to build peace within their hearts beyond differences of position and history, to maintain a safe and secure living environment, and to work together toward a sustainable future. Japan remains committed to supporting these efforts in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders both at home and abroad.
With these remarks, I would like to conclude my greetings upon assuming my post as Ambassador to the Republic of South Sudan.
For more information, including the relations between Japan and South Sudan, please visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website through the link below: https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/area/s_sudan/index.html
Shinji MATSUI, Ambassador-designate of Japan to the Republic of South Sudan