When U.S. President Barack Obama nominated Mr. John V. Roos as the next American ambassador to Japan, some Japanese were apparently perplexed because the California-based lawyer was almost unknown to them and a Washington "Beltway" outsider.

It had been initially reported that the ambassadorial post would go to Mr. Joseph Nye, a Harvard professor emeritus and former assistant secretary of defense, who also invented the concept "soft power." But Mr. Roos' statements during a Senate confirmation hearing show that he could serve as an important link for deepening bilateral relations between Japan and the United States.

At the Senate hearing, Mr. Roos stressed the importance of Japan-U.S. ties by saying, "Our alliance with Japan is the cornerstone of security and stability in East Asia-Pacific region." He also made it clear that he would strive to strengthen "the special bond between our two countries."

Importantly, Mr. Roos expressed his confidence that the close bilateral ties that exist now will not be affected even if the opposition Democratic Party of Japan takes the reins of power in the Aug. 30 Lower House election. He said that the bilateral relationships are "deep" and that "we will continue to have those relationships, no matter what government is in power."

The situation in the East Asia has become uncertain as North Korea repeats provocative acts such as a nuclear explosion test and missile launch tests. China's rise is also a factor that can change the power equation in the region. If Mr. Roos starts his job in Tokyo this summer, he will have to prepare for Mr. Obama's visit to Japan in November, Japan-U.S. consultations on the effectiveness of U.S. military deterrence (including the nuclear umbrella), and issuance of a joint statement on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the revision of the bilateral security treaty.

His job may not be an easy one. But it is hoped that he can quickly adapt to new situations and cope with crises — skills that Mr. Roos has nurtured as a lawyer in Silicon Valley. It is hoped that these skills will enable him to maintain and further develop the relationships between the two countries.