John Roos, the new U.S. ambassador to Japan, met Prime Minister Taro Aso for the first time Aug. 25 and agreed to strengthen bilateral relations.

"We spoke about the strength of the bilateral relationships between the two countries and how we will continue to strengthen them," the top U.S. envoy told reporters at the Prime Minister's Office, calling the meeting "very productive."

"My goal is to continue to strengthen the bilateral relationships...and also to experience Japan in so many different ways," he added.

The lawyer-turned-diplomat arrived in Japan on Aug. 19 to fill the spot left open since the January departure of Thomas Schieffer.