After nearly 2½ years, Japan finally has a U.S. ambassador.
The U.S. Senate voted early Saturday to confirm former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who also served as chief of staff under President Barack Obama, as the country’s ambassador to Japan.
The decision to nominate Emanuel, known for his sharp tongue — and for having the ear of President Joe Biden — signals the importance the administration places on the U.S. alliance with Japan as Washington looks to confront the challenges presented by rival Beijing.