https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20170104_22/
http://archive.is/h0tx4
NHK has learned that US President-elect Donald Trump is considering appointing a top member of his transition team to be the ambassador to Japan.
William Hagerty is said to be close to Trump. He reportedly has ties to Mitt Romney and other mainstream Republicans, as well.
Hagerty lived in Tokyo for several years when he was working for a private consulting firm.
Several names have been floated as possible candidates to become Trump's top representative in Japan, including Bobby Valentine, who served as manager of a professional Japanese baseball team.
If Hagerty becomes Trump's nominee, and is confirmed by Congress, he will replace Caroline Kennedy as the US Ambassador to Japan.
Trump has already named his ambassadors to China and Israel.
Online profile
http://archive.is/rtI3B
Post-edit
It now looks much more certain according to the NIKKEI REVIEW
Trump set to name William Hagerty as Japan ambassador
Transition team figure spent time in Tokyo as consultant
http://asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Economy ... ambassador
http://archive.is/xO1gS
WASHINGTON -- President-elect Donald Trump appeared set Wednesday to choose businessman William Hagerty, a key member of his transition team, as the next U.S. ambassador to Japan.
The pick will be announced soon. The Tennessee native joined Trump's transition team in the summer and now serves as director of presidential appointments. Hagerty previously spent three years in Tokyo while with Boston Consulting Group. He went on to co-found private equity firm Hagerty Peterson after starting his career in the field at Trident Capital.
Hagerty appears to have requested the Japan ambassador post. The appointment requires Senate confirmation.
Hagerty's business success makes him a natural fit for the Trump team. He has close links to the Republican Party establishment, having served in the George H.W. Bush White House as a policy adviser and as a member of Mitt Romney's campaign for president in 2012.
Figures such as Bobby Valentine, a former manager of baseball teams including the New York Mets and Japan's Chiba Lotte Marines, were also rumored to be possible successors to current Ambassador Caroline Kennedy.
Trump's choice for the post will follow other high-profile diplomatic picks, including ambassadors to China and Israel.
