TOKYO – Mitsuhiro Miyakoshi, who doubles as the state minister in charge of Okinawa and Northern Territories affairs and state minister for promoting dynamic engagement of all citizens, is known for promoting exports of Okinawa’s specialty of Awamori liquor.

The 67-year-old Toyama Prefecture native has served in key posts related to farming policy, including senior vice minister of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, and director of the Agriculture and Forestry Division within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

Miyakoshi grew fond of Awamori after becoming parliamentary secretary of the Cabinet Office and has worked to facilitate exports of the liquor, and agricultural and fisheries products since being named special adviser to the prime minister in 2017.

Miyakoshi had been frequently touted as a candidate for a Cabinet post but it is the first time he has been appointed.