The evolution of Japan’s policy in Central Asia

Abstract

This study aims to analyze Japan’s policy in Central Asia since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Japan was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the five Central Asian states, and in 1993, began development cooperation. Relations between Japan and Central Asia have steadily developed, and in 2004, the “Central Asia + Japan” dialogue was launched. This initiative, in which Japan acts as the initiator of cooperation between the five Central Asian countries, has created the conditions for subsequent expansion of interaction. Japan pays considerable attention to political interaction and the provision of technical assistance to the Central Asian states. The article focuses on the study of documents that define Tokyo’s approaches to interaction with the countries of the region. An analysis of the mechanisms of Japan’s cooperation with the countries of the region is also provided. The article concludes that Japan’s policy demonstrates a consistent foreign policy course towards the Central Asian states.