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Koji Tomita will be Japan's next ambassador to South Korea, but Seoul is not entirely pleased with the choice. (Nikkei montage/photo courtesy of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Inside Japanese politics

Fuel to the fire: Japan and South Korea split on Tokyo’s new envoy

Seoul sees Tomita posting as a 'downgrade,' but Tokyo thinks his experience is a good fit

NAOYA YOSHINO, Nikkei deputy editor | Japan

TOKYO -- Koji Tomita, a 38-year veteran of Japan's diplomatic corps, received a cool reception in Seoul when news broke in August that he would be the next Japanese ambassador to South Korea.

Unlike his two immediate predecessors, Tomita did not serve as senior deputy minister for foreign affairs, the number-two position in Tokyo for career diplomats. 

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