The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan hosted eight young and mid-career diplomats from Central Asia and the Caucasus for a week-long study program focused on responsible social media use in diplomacy, the ministry said in a recent press release.
The invitation program, held from 15 to 22 February 2026 under the theme “Social Media Usage Techniques and Ethics for Diplomats,” brought together representatives from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The initiative aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of digital communication strategies and ethical practices for government representatives.
During their stay in Japan, the diplomats met with officials from several government bodies, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan and the Cabinet’s global communications office, where they received briefings on public relations strategies and outreach initiatives. Participants exchanged views with Japanese officials and experts on how governments can effectively engage with the public through digital platforms.
The group also attended an academic lecture on public relations theory at Sophia University in Tokyo, followed by lively discussions.
At the Embassy of Georgia in Japan, Georgian Ambassador Teimuraz Lezhava shared his experiences as a diplomat and approaches to leveraging social media.
The diplomats explained the current state and challenges of government public relations in their respective countries.
Beyond the seminars and discussions, the group toured several major sites in Tokyo to learn about Japan’s political institutions and history, including the National Diet Building, the Imperial Palace, the National Museum of Territory and Sovereignty, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
The program also included a regional study tour. In Osaka, the diplomats visited the Osaka Prefectural Government Building, where they received briefings on local governance, tourism promotion, and the city’s use of social media. In Kyoto, they explored historical and cultural landmarks to gain a deeper understanding of Japan’s traditions and heritage.
Following the program, the visiting diplomats said they intend to apply the knowledge and perspectives gained—particularly Japan’s approach to public diplomacy, culture, and history—to help strengthen relations between Japan and countries in Central Asia and the Caucasus. ///nCa, 11 March 2026