Tomiko Ichikawa, 52, hopes to "be of service to Japan and the world" after taking on her new role in July as special aide to Yukiya Amano, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Ichikawa, who has garnered extensive experience working at a number of international organizations, became the first Japanese woman to be appointed to the post at the Vienna-based nuclear watchdog. She previously served as ambassador at the Permanent Mission of Japan to the International Organizations in Vienna.
Hailing from Saitama Prefecture, during her high school years Ichikawa dreamed of working abroad and putting her English skills to use.