New US ambassador to Japan, George Glass, has expressed his optimism about bilateral economic talks ahead of his departure to Japan, in expectation of upcoming negotiations over US tariffs.



The former business person nominated for the position by President Donald Trump was formally approved by a majority vote of the Senate on Tuesday.



Glass is known to have been a major donor to Trump during his election campaign. He served as ambassador to Portugal for more than three years during Trump's first term.



A photo showing his swearing-in ceremony attended by Vice President JD Vance was posted on Glass's social media account on Saturday.



On Friday, he gave a speech at a meeting hosted by the Japanese ambassador to the US, Yamada Shigeo, at Yamada's official residence in Washington.



About Japan-US economic relations, Glass noted, "Obviously we have a lot to talk about that in the next few weeks." He added, "We are well prepared to and very optimistic."



He said one of the most important things for him is how to grow the friendly relationship between the two countries. He expressed his hope to "see every square foot in Japan" with his wife Mary.



Glass is expected to arrive in Japan to take up his new post as early as this week.