Japan is one of five countries that have been voted to a two-year term on the United Nations Security Council.

The UN General Assembly conducted the vote on Thursday.

General Assembly President Abdulla Shahid made the announcement. The other countries are Ecuador, Malta, Mozambique, and Switzerland. Their term begins on January 1, 2023.

Ten non-permanent and five permanent members sit on the council. It is the only UN body that can make legally binding decisions such as imposing sanctions and authorizing the use of force.

However, delegates from Russia and China have faced criticism for preventing others from taking action. They have used their veto power over the war in Ukraine and North Korea's missile program.

Japan's UN Ambassador, Ishikane Kimihiro, said Japanese diplomats hope to use their influence to bring about some reforms. He said the Security Council hasn't been able to fulfill its functions, but many members have been doing all they can to find a solution. He added that Japan is devoted to those efforts.

Ishikane said Japan can lead other countries in preventing conflicts... and stopping them from recurring.