The U.S. ambassadors chosen for Japan have long reflected Washington's dedication to Tokyo, as each successive nominee has drawn Tokyo government and media speculation of how bilateral ties will evolve.
Historically, the top envoys from the United States played significant roles in both opening up Japan to the West and reintroducing the nation to global society following World War II.
California lawyer John Roos arrived in Tokyo last month to carry the torch of American diplomacy in the Far East, after being chosen by President Barack Obama, marking 150 years since the first U.S. chief of mission presented his credentials to Emperor Meiji in 1859.