She has been swarmed by well-wishers in her public appearances, including Japanese men and women who offered their sympathies during the November anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s death. The Japanese TV network NHK delivered a live broadcast of her first appearance at Japan’s Imperial Palace, according to the AP, as throngs of onlookers crowded the streets. When Prime Minister Shinzo Abe appointed Japan’s first female prime ministerial aide, his office mentioned Kennedy’s role in Japan as an inspiration.
(Earlier: Caroline Kennedy sworn in as ambassador to Japan)
Kennedy has been awed by the reception, according to her friends and political associates. Yet far from being overwhelmed, Kennedy has eased into the role of ambassador far more smoothly and naturally than she did in her last high-profile adventure, as a contender for Hillary Clinton’s vacant Senate seat…
“She’s going to be enormously well received not only by the Japanese government, but by the Japanese people. She’s a serious person,” said Mondale, who was struck by the outpouring of public enthusiasm around Kennedy’s visit with the imperial family: “When she took her short buggy ride to meet the imperial family, there were thousands of people outside on the route cheering her on. Every new ambassador takes that route, but no one’s gotten the reception that she received.”
Join the conversation as a VIP Member