Ambassador Hobo is the twenty-first Japanese ambassador in Sri Lanka since diplomatic relations was established between the two countries in 1952.

Born on August 9, 1950, he graduated from the Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University in 1975 and joined the Forestry Agency of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

He replaced the outgoing Ambassador of Japan Kunio Takahashi who finished his term earlier this month.

In a message posted on the Japanese Embassy web site Mr. Hobo noted the Sri Lankan government's serious efforts to protect and resettle the internally displaced persons (IDPs) and said the "Government of Japan is strongly encouraging the Sri Lankan Government to focus on the importance of national reconciliation in order to achieve the long lasting peace."

He also noted that Sri Lanka and Japan are celebrating 60 years of friendship next year since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1952 and the Embassy is having discussions with the Japanese and Sri Lankan authorities, on the plans for the 60th Anniversary celebrations.