The conclusion of this first-ever summit held between Japan and Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan in Tokyo, on December 20, 2025. This notable reunion aimed to stimulate economic cooperation and establish new transport corridors. It sought to protect direct, predictable access to resource supplies amid changing geopolitical landscapes.
The jointly sponsored summit was originally scheduled for August 2024 in Kazakhstan. It was subject to delay after then-Prime Minister Fumio Kishida called off his visit. After receiving credible threats to the event, officials decided to cancel it. They were acting on advisory warnings as to an increased probability of a major earthquake over a broad area of Japan. This unexpected delay ended up clearing the path for the summit to be held in Tokyo.
Since 2004, Japan has participated actively in a coordinated dialogue framework with the five Central Asian republics. In their time chairing the group, they’ve hosted ten foreign ministerial meetings. This early and proactive approach cemented Japan’s presence in the region prior to when China and Russia increased their grip over Central Asia.
The summit came at an important inflection point. Both Russia and China are on a full-court economic and trade offensive to broaden their own influence within this resource-rich region. Japan and the five Central Asian republics joined forces to develop an alternative – a new Central Asia-Japan transport corridor. They called it the “Caspian Sea route.” This route will connect the entire region directly to Europe without crossing Russian territory. It will guarantee a stable supply of critical minerals – rare-earth metals – as well as a stable supply of energy resources, including oil and natural gas.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi underscored this evolving international landscape in her opening remarks at the summit.
“The international situation has changed drastically, and the region’s importance is growing as a trade route connecting Asia and Europe.” – Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi
The leaders unanimously endorsed the “Tokyo Declaration”. Of importance, it calls out decarbonization, facilitation of supply chain logistics, and collaboration on development of a skilled workforce. This joint statement demonstrates a mutual will to continue tackling challenges around the world, while building upon a strong bilateral partnership.