Change of His Majesty's Ambassador to Japan: Corin Robertson

The British Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday, 4th February 2026 that Ms Corin Robertson CMG has been appointed as the next British Ambassador to Japan, in succession to Julia Longbottom CMG, who will retire from the Diplomatic Service.

Ms Robertson is scheduled to take up her appointment in August 2026. Commenting on her appointment, she said that she was delighted to assume the role at a time when the UK-Japan relationship is particularly strong.

Ms Robertson joined the Foreign Ministry in 1994 and undertook two years of full-time Japanese language training before being posted to Tokyo as Second Secretary for Global Issues from 1997 to 2000.

We look forward to working closely with Ms Robertson in her new role and to continuing our cooperation with the British Embassy in Tokyo and British Consulate General Osaka in support of UK-Japan business relations and longstanding bilateral ties.

We also extend our sincere thanks to Ms Longbottom, who has served as British Ambassador to Japan since March 2021. During her tenure, she has played an integral role in BCCJ activities and in advancing the UK-Japan relationship, and we offer our best wishes as the ambassadorship passes to her successor.

Please view below to learn more about Ms Robertson’s appointment.

Change of His Majesty's Ambassador to Japan: Corin Robertson