The Foreign Ministry revamped its organization, effective Aug. 1, to conduct "proactive and strategic diplomacy." The makeover is welcome, but redrawing the organization chart is in itself no guarantee of success. What is needed is concerted and determined efforts to produce tangible results. Otherwise, the reorganization might well end up as a merely cosmetic change for improving the image of and the public trust in the ministry.
Public esteem for the Foreign Ministry has diminished in recent years because of corruption and other scandals involving ministry officials -- including use of slush funds as well as wining and dining at taxpayers' expense. Revelations about cozy ties between bureaucrats and politicians have also tarnished its reputation. Restoring trust and confidence is, therefore, an urgent priority.
One major change is the upgrading of the Consular and Migration Affairs Department to the Consular Affairs Bureau. This is a necessary and timely step, given the growing concerns about the safety of Japanese nationals abroad. In recent years, the number of Japanese traveling or living abroad has increased sharply, adding to the possibility that they might become victims of crime, accidents or terrorist attacks.