Japan’s government made Nippon Foundation Chairman Yohei Sasakawa
“Special Envoy of the Government of Japan for National Reconciliation in Myanmar,” the foundation said on Wednesday. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Sasakawa “will work to facilitate the process of reconciliation between Myanmar’s government and ethnic minorities,” according to the foundation. Burma’s government has welcomed the Japanese philanthropist. In June 2012, Tokyo named Sasakawa its “Goodwill Ambassador for Welfare of the National Races in Myanmar.” Sasakawa has attended peace talks between the government and ethnic militias. His foundation made rice donations in ethnic areas. Sasakawa’s activities coincide with a Japanese push to build large economic interests in Burma.