Japan and Central Asian nations are advancing their collaboration on artificial intelligence through a recent invitation program marking a key step in operationalizing a new bilateral partnership.
Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted AI policy officials from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan for the “Central Asia plus Japan” Dialogue Practitioners’ Meeting from 23 to 27 February 2026.
The program served as a direct follow-up to the announcement of the “Japan-Central Asia AI Cooperation Partnership” during the inaugural Summit of the “Central Asia plus Japan” Dialogue (CA+JAD) held in Tokyo last December 2025.
During their week-long visit, the Central Asian delegates engaged in intensive discussions and site visits focused on Japan’s advanced AI landscape. They met with officials from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, receiving detailed briefings on national AI policies and exchanging perspectives on regional approaches.
The itinerary included visits to leading research institutions: AIST Tokyo Waterfront (National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology); Japan AI Safety Institute (AISI); Center for Artificial Intelligence Research at the University of Tsukuba; Global Research and Development Center for Business by Quantum-AI technology (G-QuAT); Matsuo-Iwasawa Laboratory at The University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Engineering; Center for Research on AI Security and Technology Evolution at the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT).
At these facilities, participants received in-depth briefings on institutional initiatives, foundational AI technologies (including cutting-edge areas like quantum technology), data governance guidelines, human resource development strategies, and international collaboration efforts. In return, the Central Asian officials shared insights into their countries’ respective AI policies, current developments, and key challenges.
A highlight of the program was an exchange event hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, featuring short pitches from Japanese AI-related startup companies followed by networking sessions. Discussions explored opportunities for cooperation leveraging Japan’s technological strengths to address needs in Central Asia.
Complementing the technical focus, the delegates participated in a local study tour in Nara and Kyoto. In Nara, they visited the Nara Institute of Science and Technology and the Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International. In Kyoto, the group explored historical and cultural sites to gain a broader appreciation of Japan’s heritage and traditions.
Officials emphasized that this invitation program is poised to give concrete form to the Japan-Central Asia AI Cooperation Partnership launched at the CA+JAD Summit. By facilitating direct knowledge exchange, institutional exposure, and business networking, the initiative aims to strengthen mutual AI-related cooperation, promote governance for trustworthy AI, and support capacity-building across the region. ///nCa, 10 March 2026