The NEAR Secretariat appointed Makiko Yoshino, a civil servant from Toyama Prefecture, as the new Japanese Liaison Officer on 9 April.
Ms. Yoshino will perform her duties as a representative locally in Toyama Prefecture due to local circumstances. In the future, she will be affiliated with the International Cooperation Department of the NEAR Secretariat and will be in charge of communication and coordination with Japanese member regional governments.
Ms. Yoshino is currently affiliated with the International Division of the Multicultural Coexistence Promotion Office under the Regional Revitalization Bureau of Toyama Prefecture. Having worked in the private sector for many years, she is expected to successfully carry out her duties as a NEAR representative.
Meanwhile, Yasue Itohara, an official from Shimane Prefecture who served as the Japanese Liaison Officer at the NEAR Secretariat for two years since April 2024, completed her term in March 2026.
Secretary-General Lim Byung-jin commended Yasue Itohara for her efforts toward the development of the Secretariat's operations over the past two years and presented her with a certificate of appreciation.