Japan's downgrade of Myanmar ties casts shadow over businesses

Ambassador Maruyama won't be replaced as political turmoil rages on

The flags of Myanmar and Japan at the Thilawa special economic zone near Yangon, where investment by Japanese companies has slowed since Myanmar's military takeover of 2021. © Kyodo

Nikkei staff writers

September 28, 2024 05:42 JST

BANGKOK/YANGON -- Japan will not be replacing its ambassador to Myanmar after he returned home Friday, a downgrade in bilateral ties that could affect Japanese businesses operating in the country.

Ichiro Maruyama was appointed ambassador to Myanmar in 2018, long before the military takeover of 2021. With his departure, Shogo Yoshitake, who was the second-ranked diplomat at the embassy in Yangon, becomes Japan's charge d'affaires ad interim in the country.