Togo Kazuhiko (PhD 2009, Leiden University) is Visiting Professor, Global Center for Asian and Regional Research, University of Shizuoka..He joined the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1968. Half of his career was directly related to Russia: three times service at the Embassy of Japan in Moscow; Director of the Soviet Union Division; Director General of Treaties Bureau; and Director General of European Affairs. He retired as Ambassador to the Netherlands in 2002. Following his retirement from the foreign service, he first taught in universities outside of Japan, including Leiden University and Princeton University. He served as Professor and Director of the Institute for World Affairs, Kyoto Sangyo University from 2010 to 2020. His research interests include international politics, Japanese foreign-security policy in East Asia, and identity and civilizational dialogue.