Senate panel approves former First Daughter Caroline Kennedy as US ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy address the final session of the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina September 6, 2012.Reuters A Senate panel has approved the nomination of Caroline Kennedy to serve as U.S. ambassador to Japan. By voice vote on Monday, the Foreign Relations Committee endorsed President Obama's choice, the former first daughter who has promised to carry forward John F. Kennedy's legacy with humility. Caroline Kennedy helped propel Obama to the Democratic presidential nomination with her endorsement over Hillary Rodham Clinton, the only time she's endorsed a presidential candidate other than her uncle Ted in 1980. If confirmed, Kennedy would replace John Roos, a former Silicon Valley lawyer and top Obama campaign fundraiser. At her confirmation hearing, Kennedy noted the significance of her nomination 50 years since her father's presidency, focusing on his tenure rather than his assassination on Nov. 22, 1963.