Posted on: Wednesday, March 28, 2001

Ex-Sen. Baker a wise choice as Japan envoy

Correctly calling him a "true statesman," President Bush has chosen wisely in naming former Sen. Howard Baker as his ambassador to Japan.

Baker would replace President Clinton's choice, former House Speaker Tom Foley, and continue a trend of prominent politicians, rather than experts or career diplomats, serving in Tokyo.

It's a trend the Japanese appear to welcome strongly. Foley and Baker follow such prominent political leaders as former Vice President Walter Mondale and former Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield.

Noted Japan expert Edwin Reischauer was the exception to that trend. While he may often have understood Japanese politics as well as the Japanese, he had to earn their respect. His successors have received respect automatically, based on the prestige they won in American politics.

Baker, 75, served 18 years in the Senate, four of them as majority leader. He was chief of staff for President Reagan and tried once, unsuccessfully, for the presidential nomination. He won wide respect in the United States for his fair and impartial role in the Watergate hearings.

He serves at a difficult time, with Japan's slipping economy threatening to pull the rest of the world down with it; with ticklish diplomatic situations involving Tokyo and Washington in Korea, China and Indonesia; and increasing restiveness of Japanese civilians to the basing of American military forces on their soil.

The Japanese have welcomed Baker's nomination warmly, and he has a great opportunity to enjoy important success in Tokyo.