Conversation with Ambassador Masafumi ISHII

Masafumi ISHII was the Ambassador of Japan to Indonesia till December 2020 and retired from Japanese Foreign Service in January 2021, having served there for more than 40 years. He has frequently participated in international seminars and symposium and is well known for his policy planning insight as well as his long-term experience in working with partners in ASEAN countries.

He graduated from Tokyo University and joined MOFA in 1980. In Japan, his posts include Director for Policy Planning, Special Assistant to Foreign Minster, Director General for Global Issues and Legal Advisor. His overseas experience covers Washington DC, where he served twice, London, Belgium and NATO as the Ambassador. His last post was in Jakarta that lasted for almost 4 years.

Presently, he is teaching International Law at Gakushuin University as well as providing advice to some of Japanese private companies.

Host or Publisher Reischauer Center for East Asian Studies