Greeting from Representative
2026/2/26
Message from Ambassador Yamamoto
Ambassador Toshio Yamamoto
Thank you for visiting the website of the Delegation of Japan to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). My name is Toshio Yamamoto, and I assumed the post of Ambassador and Permanent Representative in January 2026.
ICAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations, established under the Convention on International Civil Aviation (commonly known as the Chicago Convention) adopted in 1944. Its purpose is to promote cooperation among nations to ensure that international civil aviation develops in a safe and orderly manner, and that international air transport services are operated soundly and economically, based on equality of opportunity.
Japan's relationship with ICAO is long-standing. Since joining the Organization in 1953, Japan has actively contributed to the safe and orderly development of international civil aviation. Japan has been continuously elected to the ICAO Council since 1956 and has served as a key Council Member. We have actively participated in ICAO's activities and led discussions in areas such as international standards for aviation safety and security, which is ICAO's central role, as well as sustainable aviation, including environmental issues. Recently, at the 42nd ICAO Assembly held in September and October 2025, Japan received the strong support of many Member States and was re-elected to the Council.
The challenges facing international civil aviation are diverse, including safety, air traffic control, security, economic issues, and the environment, all of which have become increasingly complex in recent years. In addition, aviation is often directly and significantly affected by major global developments beyond the sector itself, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. As a result, expectations for ICAO's role in addressing these issues are greater than ever.
Under these circumstances, Japan continues to strengthen its presence in international civil aviation. Notably, at the ICAO Council in November 2025, Mr. Toshiyuki Onuma, then Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Japan to ICAO, was elected President of the ICAO Council, the first individual from Asia to hold this position in ICAO's history.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to maintaining and enhancing Japan's presence within ICAO, while working closely with other Member States to address emerging challenges.
Thank you for your kind attention.
Toshio Yamamoto (February 2026)
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and Permanent Representative
Delegation of Japan to the International Civil Aviation Organization
NOTE:
ICAO is a UN-related institution that establishes regulations and international standards in the field of civil aviation, a sector that is familiar to many, yet whose mechanisms are not always well understood. We believe that raising awareness of such international organizations is one of the important roles of the Delegation of Japan to ICAO.
Therefore, for students considering a future career with international organizations, or for teachers interested in incorporating ICAO-related topics into their classes, we would be pleased to explore opportunities for online or in-person briefings.
For inquiries, please contact us at: japan-icao@ic.mofa.go.jp
ICAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations, established under the Convention on International Civil Aviation (commonly known as the Chicago Convention) adopted in 1944. Its purpose is to promote cooperation among nations to ensure that international civil aviation develops in a safe and orderly manner, and that international air transport services are operated soundly and economically, based on equality of opportunity.
Japan's relationship with ICAO is long-standing. Since joining the Organization in 1953, Japan has actively contributed to the safe and orderly development of international civil aviation. Japan has been continuously elected to the ICAO Council since 1956 and has served as a key Council Member. We have actively participated in ICAO's activities and led discussions in areas such as international standards for aviation safety and security, which is ICAO's central role, as well as sustainable aviation, including environmental issues. Recently, at the 42nd ICAO Assembly held in September and October 2025, Japan received the strong support of many Member States and was re-elected to the Council.
The challenges facing international civil aviation are diverse, including safety, air traffic control, security, economic issues, and the environment, all of which have become increasingly complex in recent years. In addition, aviation is often directly and significantly affected by major global developments beyond the sector itself, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. As a result, expectations for ICAO's role in addressing these issues are greater than ever.
Under these circumstances, Japan continues to strengthen its presence in international civil aviation. Notably, at the ICAO Council in November 2025, Mr. Toshiyuki Onuma, then Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Japan to ICAO, was elected President of the ICAO Council, the first individual from Asia to hold this position in ICAO's history.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to maintaining and enhancing Japan's presence within ICAO, while working closely with other Member States to address emerging challenges.
Thank you for your kind attention.
Toshio Yamamoto (February 2026)
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and Permanent Representative
Delegation of Japan to the International Civil Aviation Organization
NOTE:
ICAO is a UN-related institution that establishes regulations and international standards in the field of civil aviation, a sector that is familiar to many, yet whose mechanisms are not always well understood. We believe that raising awareness of such international organizations is one of the important roles of the Delegation of Japan to ICAO.
Therefore, for students considering a future career with international organizations, or for teachers interested in incorporating ICAO-related topics into their classes, we would be pleased to explore opportunities for online or in-person briefings.
For inquiries, please contact us at: japan-icao@ic.mofa.go.jp