Japan welcomed Thursday the long-anticipated nomination of former U.S. first daughter Caroline Kennedy as Washington\'s new ambassador to the country, lauding her close ties to President Barack Obama. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said the nomination reflected the importance the U.S. government attaches to its longtime ally, according to a report of the Associated Press. \"She is known to be very close to President Obama. As U.S. ambassador, one of the most crucial questions is if or how he or she can communicate a variety of issues with the president. For that role I would give her a big welcome,\" Suga said. President Obama announced the nomination Wednesday, offering the most famous living member of a prominent American family a new role of service to the country.