The Senate on Saturday approved Rahm Emanuel, who served as a top aide to former President Barack Obama, as the next U.S. ambassador to Japan, filling the key post that has been vacant for more than two years.The 62-year-old former White House chief of staff, known for his close ties with President Joe Biden, will play a crucial role in one of the most important bilateral relationships for the United States amid China's growing assertiveness in the region and North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.During a Senate confirmation hearing in October, Emanuel vowed to enhance U.S.-Japan ties a…READ FULL ARTICLE