Vatican diplomacy: Japan has chance to learn from the best

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Pope Francis is carrying on the Vatican's tradition of diplomatic activism with a trip to Thailand and Japan in November. Both countries have very small Catholic flocks. © Getty Images

HIROYUKI AKITA, Nikkei commentator

September 28, 2019 15:21 JST

TOKYO -- Pope Francis' visit to Japan on Nov. 23-26 will offer a great opportunity for the Japanese government to beef up its ties with the Vatican, which has the diplomatic influence to reshape the geopolitical landscape in Asia and around the world.

The pope will kick off his Asian tour with a visit to Thailand from Nov. 20 to 23. His trip to Japan will be the first by a pontiff in 38 years. While in Japan, Pope Francis will meet Emperor Naruhito and travel to Nagasaki and Hiroshima.