Former WA premier to be Tokyo envoy

Richard Court has been appointed Australia's next ambassador to Japan, taking up the role in early 2017.

Former West Australian premier Richard Court will be Australia's next ambassador to Japan.

In 2008 the Emperor of Japan conferred on Mr Court the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star for exceptional contributions to the expansion of Australia-Japan relations.

Mr Court will take up his appointment in early 2017, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop announced on Tuesday.