Ambassador Julia Longbottom CMG

Ambassador Julia Longbottom CMG

Ambassador Julia Longbottom CMG is one of the United Kingdom’s most respected and inspiring diplomats — a woman whose distinguished career has been defined by integrity, intellect, and an unwavering commitment to strengthening Britain’s global partnerships. As Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Japan, she stands as a bridge between two of the world’s most innovative and culturally rich nations, guiding one of the UK’s most important bilateral relationships with grace, wisdom, and vision.

Born with a deep sense of curiosity about the world, Julia Longbottom joined the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office with a conviction that diplomacy is not merely about policy, but about people — about building understanding, trust, and opportunity across nations. Over the course of her career, she has held senior roles in London and abroad, demonstrating exceptional leadership across areas including international security, consular affairs, and global development.

Before assuming her current post in Tokyo, she served as Director for Consular Services, where her calm leadership and compassion guided the UK’s response to global crises and complex international emergencies. Her service was recognised with the honour of Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG), a reflection of her outstanding contribution to British diplomacy and her steadfast commitment to public service.

As Ambassador to Japan, she continues to embody the highest ideals of diplomatic excellence — fostering collaboration in trade, innovation, education, defence, and climate action. Her tenure has strengthened the enduring friendship between the United Kingdom and Japan, ensuring that both nations continue to thrive as partners in peace, prosperity, and global progress.

Ambassador Longbottom’s story is one of purpose, perseverance, and profound humanity. Her leadership reminds us that diplomacy, at its finest, is built upon respect, empathy, and the belief that nations — like people — are strongest when they work together in hope and harmony. Through her example, she continues to inspire a new generation of women and men in public service to lead with courage, integrity, and a vision for a better, more connected world.

Biography

March 2021 Tokyo, Ambassador
2020 Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), Director, Coronavirus Task Force
2016 to 2020 FCO, Director for Consular Services, Consular Directorate
2012 to 2016 Tokyo, Minister and Deputy Head of Mission
2009 to 2012 FCO, Head, Far Eastern (later China) Department
2006 to 2009 UK Trade & Investment, Director, Strategy and Human Resources
2003 to 2006 Warsaw, Director of Trade & Investment and Consul General
1998 to 2002 The Hague, Head of Political and EU Section
1994 to 1997 FCO, Section Head, Nationality and Immigration, Hong Kong Department
1990 to 1993 Tokyo, Second Secretary – Political
1988 European Commission Brussels, Stagiaire in Office of Lord Cockfield
1987 New York, UK Permanent Mission to the UN, Second Secretary – UNGA Team
1986 Joined FCO

British Ambassador to Japan

British Embassy Tokyo

The British Embassy in Japan maintains and develops relations between the UK and Japan. The British Embassy, Tokyo, is the chief diplomatic mission of the United Kingdom in Japan, with the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Japan being the chief of mission. Our work covers a range of issues including international cooperation in support of our values and working to reduce conflict; building Britain’s prosperity through increased trade and investment in open markets; and supporting British nationals who visit and live in Japan through modern and efficient consular services. Find out more on our UK and Japan news page. We provide services to British nationals living in and visiting Japan. You can access UK government services while in Japan.