Caroline Kennedy goes before the Japanese Emperor

On Tuesday, Caroline Kennedy arrived at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to go before Emperor Akihito and present her credentials as Japan’s U.S. Ambassador. Back in September, she spoke before a Senate committee, and explained the meaningfulness of the position in relation to her father’s legacy. “This appointment has a special significance as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of my father’s presidency,” she said. “I am conscious of my responsibility to uphold the ideals he represented — a deep commitment to public service, a more just America and a more peaceful world.”

Secretary of State John Kerry also emphasized the importance of Caroline Kennedy’s ability to strengthen the relationship between the two countries. “The daughter of a heroic lieutenant in World War II will be the first woman in the next generation after the war to represent our country in a relationship that symbolizes so much more than just a normal diplomatic relationship. This is a symbol of reconciliation, a symbol of possibilities, a symbol of people who know how to put the past behind them and look to the future and build a future together. That is, in today’s world, both remarkable and beautiful.”

Among diplomats and media moguls though, Kennedy’s success in the position is under debate. Shihoko Goto of the Woodrow Wilson International Center wrote for CNN.com: “A strong, politically savvy woman is just what Japan and the United States need to strengthen relations on both sides of the Pacific.” Stephan Walt of foreignpolicy.com was a bit less optimistic, and highlighted her lack of credentials in his article. “She doesn’t speak Japanese and has no academic or professional background in foreign affairs.” He wrote. “Compared with some other former U.S. ambassadors to Japan, she’s a political neophyte.”