noun
deputy foreign minister
A senior official in Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ranking below the foreign minister and above the director-general level. Often translated as 'Deputy Foreign Minister' or 'Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs'.
外務審議官が記者会見で新たな外交方針を説明した。
The Deputy Foreign Minister explained the new diplomatic policy at a press conference.
彼は長年の外交経験を買われて外務審議官に任命された。
He was appointed Deputy Foreign Minister in recognition of his many years of diplomatic experience.
Compound of 外務 (foreign affairs) + 審議官 (councilor/deliberative official). The term reflects the bureaucratic structure of Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.