Japan and the United States - by Okamoto (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

"Okamoto-san was an invaluable diplomatic advisor who provided essential knowledge for our foreign visits and meetings with heads of state during my term as Prime Minister of Japan." -- Junichiro Koizumi, former Prime Minister of Japan.

"Yukio's inclination to take action, his generosity and openheartedness were exceptional. [...] This book presents his admirable perspective and I will remember him forever." --David Petraeus, former CIA Director

As one of Japan's most distinguished and gifted diplomats of his generation, Yukio Okamoto navigated the corridors of political power at the highest levels. In Japan and the United States, Okamoto recounts the compelling story of his diplomatic service and his role as a steadfast advocate for strong Japan-United States relations during an era of political crises, war, and fierce economic competition.

During his 20-year career in the Japanese Foreign Ministry and after he left government, Okamoto was an indispensable advisor to several Japanese prime ministers including Ryutaro Hashimoto, Junichiro Koizumi and Shinzo Abe. He worked tirelessly to strengthen relations with the United States and the survival of this alliance is due in no small part to Okamoto's influence.

This book features contributions from former Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage and former Assistant Secretary of Defense Joseph S. Nye, who both worked with Okamoto and share their thoughts on his life, career, and legacy as an influential friend of the United States.

Review Quotes

"What makes this memoir a joy to read is Okamato's personality. Unlike the gray politicians and bureaucrats of Kasumigaseki who play their cards close to their vest and regurgitate the official government position, Okamoto is a storyteller unafraid to state his honest opinion. [...] If you're interested in Japanese politics, this book is an invaluable guide to understanding how the sausage is made, often in secret meetings. Even if your interest is limited to post-WW2 history, there's much to learn in these pages." --DC Palter, Medium

"For decades, I relied on Yukio Okamoto for his keen insights into U.S.-Japan relations. The bonds that he helped cement played an indispensable role in assuring that our partnership would remain one of mutual prosperity, security, and shared values." --James Steinberg, Dean, School for Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University & former Deputy Secretary of State

"Okamoto-san was an invaluable diplomatic advisor who provided essential knowledge for our foreign visits and meetings with heads of state during my term as Prime Minister of Japan." --Junichiro Koizumi, former Prime Minister of Japan

"Yukio Okamoto, my dear friend. Whenever I sought his advice, he was always very helpful, most informative, and very thoughtful even during his toughest and busiest times. He shall be deeply missed." --Dan Quayle, former Vice President of the United States

"Yukio's inclination to take action, his generosity and openheartedness were exceptional. He was a globalist who loved and effectively worked for his country just as he also loved and understood the U.S. He appreciated the importance of U.S.-Japan relations, and endeavored to show the U.S. the true nature of Japan. This book presents his admirable perspective and I will remember him forever." --David Petraeus, former CIA Director

About the Author

Yukio Okamoto was a career diplomat in Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 1968 to 1991 with postings in Paris (OECD), Cairo and Washington. Following his retirement, he became a private political and economic consultant. He served as Special Advisor to Prime Ministers Ryutaro Hashimoto and Junichiro Koizumi. He sat on the boards of several major Japanese multinational companies and served as an advisor to several others. Okamoto joined the Center for International Studies of MIT in 2012 as a Robert E Wilhelm fellow. He was a well-known commentator and author, publishing regular columns and writing and contributing to major newspapers and magazines on Japanese diplomacy.

Richard L. Armitage Is a founding partner and president of Armitage International. He is a former deputy secretary of the Department of State and has served as the Assistant Secretary for International Security Affairs and Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asia and Pacific Affairs at the Department of Defense. In addition, Ambassador Armitage has held a wide variety of high-ranking U.S. diplomatic positions.

Joseph S. Nye, Jr. is Professor Emeritus and former Dean of Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. He received his bachelor's degree summa cum laude from Princeton University, won a Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford, and earned a Ph.D. in political science from Harvard. He has served as Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, Chair of the National Intelligence Council, and Deputy Under Secretary of State. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the British Academy, and the American Academy of Diplomacy. In 2011, Foreign Policy named him one of the top 100 Global Thinkers. In 2014, Japan awarded him the Order of the Rising Sun.