"We sincerely welcome the confirmation," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a press conference, pointing out that US President Donald Trump has great trust in Hagerty.

"We hope to strengthen bilateral ties to ensure that the Japan-US alliance, which is a cornerstone for Japan's foreign and security polices, is unwavering," the top government spokesman said.

Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida sent a congratulatory message to Hagerty, saying  he looks forward to seeing the new ambassador's arrival in Japan soon and working with him to further strengthen ties between the two countries.

Kishida stressed that the United States' commitment is crucial for stability in the Asia-Pacific region, an engine for the world economy.

Hagerty, 57, is expected to arrive in Japan as early as next month after taking the oath of office.

His immediate predecessor, Caroline Kennedy, who served in the post from November 2013 during then US President Barack Obama's tenure, left Japan in January this year.

In a roll-call vote, which was rare for the confirmation of ambassador to Japan, the nomination of Hagerty was backed by 86 of the 100 senators, mainly Republicans, and opposed by 12, including Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts). (Jiji Press)