Shigeo Yamada ’89 returns to Carleton as Japanese Ambassador to United States
The accomplished alum visited Carleton to reflect on his experience and career.
On October 13, 2024, Carleton welcomed back Shigeo Yamada ’89, a distinguished alum who has dedicated his career to fostering global partnerships and now serves as the Japanese ambassador to the United States. Surrounded by an audience of students, faculty, and staff in the Weitz Cinema, Yamada shared reflections on his time at Carleton and the lessons that have shaped his diplomatic career.
The evening began with a warm introduction from Carleton president Alison Byerly, who underscored Yamada’s impressive career trajectory. After earning his second bachelor’s degree at Carleton, Yamada held influential positions in Washington, D.C. and Tokyo, consistently advocating for international collaboration.
Yamada began his talk with, “I’m happy to be back,” expressing gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect with the community that played such a pivotal role in his life. With humor and humility, he acknowledged the trope of the seasoned alum sharing stories of “what it used to be like” and embraced it, diving into his personal story.
Originally sent to the United States to better understand the country, Yamada chose Carleton for its close-knit community and rigorous academics. Reflecting on his arrival, he described the nervous anticipation of starting a new life alone in a foreign land. Yet, the kindness he encountered — from floormates who welcomed him, to an adviser whose generosity made a lasting impression — helped him find his footing.
Yamada highlighted the friendships that defined his Carleton experience, particularly with his roommate, George Ehrhardt ’91. Their conversations, spanning topics from personal anecdotes to cultural differences, profoundly shaped Yamada’s worldview. He recalled one pivotal moment when Ehrhardt asked why Japan was important to the United States. Struck by the question’s directness, Yamada admitted he struggled to respond at the time, but that moment became the cornerstone of his career in diplomacy.
Central to Yamada’s philosophy is the belief that strong interpersonal relationships form the bedrock of effective diplomacy.
“The most important element between two countries is the relationship between their people,” Yamada said. His bond with Ehrhardt exemplified this principle, proving that mutual understanding and trust between individuals can translate into stronger international partnerships.
“Everything important I learned about this country, I learned right here, at Carleton,” Yamada concluded, noting that these experiences reinforced his commitment to fostering meaningful connections for the sake of diplomacy.
Following his remarks, Yamada was joined by Mihaela Czobor-Lupp, associate professor of political science and chair of political science and international relations, for a discussion on contemporary issues.
On the current state of U.S.–Japan relations, Yamada painted a picture of strength and collaboration, emphasizing shared values like the rule of law. He pointed to the importance of standing united against global challenges, including Russian aggression and the implications for East Asia.
“Today’s Ukraine could be tomorrow’s East Asia,” he warned, reaffirming Japan’s readiness to work alongside the U.S. to uphold peace and stability.
Yamada identified three key priorities for Japanese security: maintaining a strong U.S.–Japan alliance, addressing Indo-Pacific security challenges through cooperation with like-minded nations, and ensuring economic resilience through competitive supply chains.
When asked why he chose a diplomatic career, Yamada spoke of his passion for international peace and stability.
“It may sound naive,” he admitted, but Czobor-Lupp countered with encouragement: “It’s not naive, but powerful,” she said. “It is important to have hope.”
For students considering diplomacy as a career, Yamada offered practical and philosophical guidance. He urged them to embrace Carleton’s liberal arts education, emphasizing the value of broad knowledge in becoming a productive diplomat.
Closing on a hopeful note, Yamada encouraged Carleton students to follow in his footsteps.
“I’d love to work with fellow Carls to strengthen peace,” he said.