Japan’s New Ambassador to South Sudan Pledges to Deepen Bilateral Ties

JUBA—Japan’s newly arrived Ambassador-designate to South Sudan, Matsui Shinji, has pledged to strengthen cooperation between the two countries while supporting efforts toward peace, stability and self-reliance.

Matsui arrived in Juba on September 21 and said he was honored to begin his first diplomatic assignment in South Sudan and Africa.

“It is a great honor to be here, and I look forward to working with all of you,” Matsui said in a message issued after his arrival.

Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists Matsui as the newly appointed ambassador to South Sudan, with his appointment taking effect on August 12, 2026.

Matsui said his immediate priority, together with colleagues at the Japanese Embassy, would be the safety of Japanese nationals working in South Sudan amid the existing evacuation advisory.

He said the embassy would also strengthen monitoring of the security situation and communication while continuing to engage with South Sudanese institutions and international partners.

Matsui highlighted Japan’s longstanding support to South Sudan, including humanitarian assistance, infrastructure projects, vocational training and opportunities for citizens to study and train in Japan.

He cited projects implemented through the Japan International Cooperation Agency, including the Juba bridge construction and water-tower installation in Juba, as well as assistance to displaced and conflict-affected communities.

Japan has also supported South Sudan through its contribution to United Nations peacekeeping operations. Matsui noted that members of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces have participated in UN peacekeeping activities in the country.

He said these efforts, alongside grassroots exchanges, had helped build trust and friendship between the two countries.

Among the exchanges he highlighted were sporting links involving South Sudanese athletes and Japan’s Maebashi City, which supported South Sudanese athletes around the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Matsui also said he had been briefed on opportunities and challenges in sectors including South Sudan’s oil industry and honey production.

The ambassador-designate said his previous professional experience included work with the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, in Geneva, beginning with visits to refugee camps in 2002, as well as an assignment with the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna.

He said the experience would inform his work in South Sudan, particularly in engaging with humanitarian and development partners.

Matsui said he intends to use public outreach to provide information about South Sudan to audiences in Japan while highlighting areas where Japan can contribute to the country’s development.

His arrival in South Sudan coincided with the International Day of Peace,  an occasion he described as particularly meaningful given South Sudan’s continuing efforts to build lasting peace.

He also pointed to 2026 as the 70th anniversary of Japan joining the United Nations, saying he hoped the anniversary would reinforce the message of peace between Japan and South Sudan.

“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,” Matsui said.

He said Japan would continue supporting South Sudan in partnership with government institutions, international organizations and other stakeholders.

The Japanese Embassy in Juba maintains its diplomatic, development and humanitarian engagement with South Sudan and provides information on Japan-South Sudan relations through its official website.

Matsui concluded his message by expressing hope for deeper friendship and cooperation between the people of Japan and South Sudan.