Vietnam Presents Sugi Ryotaro with Vietnam–Japan Special Ambassador Certificate

On November 10, Vietnam’s Foreign Ministry held a ceremony in Tokyo, Japan, to present Sugi Ryotaro with a certificate appointing him Vietnam–Japan Special Ambassador for the 2026–2029 term. General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and State President Tô Lâm, who was on an official visit to Japan, attended the ceremony. Politburo member and Foreign Minister Lê Hoài Trung presented the certificate to Sugi Ryotaro.

Vietnamese Foreign Minister Lê Hoài Trung presents Sugi Ryotaro with the Vietnam–Japan Special Ambassador certificate and flowers.（VietVance）

Born in 1944 in Japan’s Hyogo Prefecture, Sugi Ryotaro is a Japanese singer and actor. For nearly 40 years, he has helped promote Vietnam–Japan friendship, including by organizing large cultural exchanges and providing assistance to children facing hardship in remote areas. He has previously received Vietnam’s Friendship Medal and Third-class Labor Order and was named an honorary citizen of Hanoi.

Tô Lâm and Sugi Ryotaro pose for a photo with representatives attending the ceremony.（VietVance）

At the ceremony, Sugi Ryotaro said he would continue working with relevant agencies in both countries on cultural exchange, medical care, community health and assistance for children facing hardship. He also said he would support fair and favorable living, learning and working conditions for Vietnamese people in Japan, enabling them to contribute to Japan’s socioeconomic development and Vietnam–Japan friendship.

Vietnam and Japan established diplomatic relations in 1973. The certificate presentation took place during Tô Lâm’s official visit to Japan, and Sugi Ryotaro’s term as special ambassador runs from 2026 to 2029.

Source: VietVance