Japanese baseball club owners approved the appointment of former ambassador to the United States Ryozo Kato as Nippon Professional Baseball commissioner on Wednesday.
The 66-year-old Kato is scheduled to assume the post on July 1 for a three-year term, replacing acting commissioner Yasuchika Negoro, 75.
Kato was viewed as a suitable successor for NPB at a time when baseball is becoming a more global sport.
"I have a strong passion for baseball," Kato said. "I try to listen humbly to a wide range of opinions and contribute my efforts to Japanese baseball's development."
Kato was Japan's longest-serving ambassador to the United States, holding the post for six and a half years through May 2008.