It’s a very auspicious year for the Embassy as it celebrates the 150th anniversary of Japan-British relations which began with the signing of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce in 1858.

The Ambassador, who has just completed a two-year tour of duty as Ambassador to Jakarta, knows a thing or two about treaties, having headed the Treaties Bureau in the Gaimusho.

“Some aspects of the treaty were unfair to Japan,” he admits, “but there is no doubt that it formed the basis for the two countries to interact on a practical basis.”

Following the signing of the Treaty, he adds, Japan witnessed the Meiji Restoration and underwent rapid modernisation, during which it introduced a new political system, infrastructure, and educational and other social systems modelled on those of the UK and other developed countries.

Confronted by Russia at the close of the 19th century, Britain saw Japan as an important partner in the Far East, and the relationship was sealed with the Anglo-Japanese Alliance in 1902.

A century later, a strong Anglo-Japanese alliance is arguably even more crucial as both countries now face global threats – from financial turmoil, to international security, counter-proliferation, climate change and poverty reduction – all issues that topped the agenda at the recent G8 summit in Hokkaido.

“No country can sufficiently tackle these global challenges single-handedly,” he says, adding: “We need to build and promote international cooperation concerning such issues even if we sometimes have different perspectives.”

Japan’s role in these international efforts could be “further enhanced” with a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, says Ebihara. It is something Britain supports and Japan would like to be considered a “reliable partner” he adds.

The country has compelling credentials: it’s the longest-serving non-permanent member of the UN Security Council and it is the second largest contributor to UN coffers.

In addition, Japan has taken a lead in the UN’s Peace Building Commission; it has played a crucial role in non-proliferation issues, particularly regarding North Korea and Iran; as a generous donor, it launched the “Friends of Human Security” programme and has projects in 118 poor countries to combat poverty, infectious diseases and environmental degradation.

Japan is also a partner in counter-terrorism, having signed and ratified all 13 international counter-terrorism conventions and protocols; it provides logistical support in maritime interdiction activities through its Maritime Self Defence Force; and it is helping developing nations in their counter-terrorism measures.

During the Cold War, Japan concentrated entirely on self-defence, but in recent years it has begun to play a more active role, as witnessed by the recent establishment of a Ministry of Defence and Japan’s overseas deployments, first in Cambodia in 1993 and in Iraq in 2006, says Ebihara.

“In the uncertain world that has emerged since the end of the Cold War, Japan believes evermore strongly that peace is something we have to earn through more active involvement, which means participation in various UN peacekeeping missions, and supporting the reconstructive efforts in Iraq.”

Right now, the global financial turmoil poses a threat to global peace and prosperity. Even Japan has not escaped unscathed with the abrupt resignation of Prime Minister Fukuda, who has been replaced by Taro Aso, known for, among other things, his love for comics.

The new prime minister has pledged to revive Japan’s flailing economy, says Ebihara, who quotes from a speech Aso gave to the UN General Assembly the day after his appointment: “The task ahead for Japan is already quite clear, namely, that Japan’s primary responsibility lies in invigorating its own economy. In light of the size of the Japanese economy, the second-largest in the world, certainly this would be the most immediately effective contribution that Japan can deliver,” the Prime Minister said, adding: “Peace and happiness are most certainly within our grasp through the pursuit of economic prosperity and democracy.”

Meanwhile in London, the Ambassador will be working to make sure that the Anglo-Japanese relationship continues for another 150 years. The Embassy is hosting a year-long, country-wide series of events called Japan-UK 150 which will include everything from Kabuki, Ukiyo-e and Jomon-dogu exhibitions, to symposia dealing with environmental and economic issues as well as film and music events. Japan’s contemporary culture – such as the popular Manga and Anime comics – remains an important link between the youth of the two countries.

There’s a lot to do, but the Ambassador hopes to be able to fit in a round of golf somewhere in the English countryside on a quiet weekend.