Tokyo, April 17, 2026 – The Japan–Kazakhstan Friendship League, a platform for cooperation among lawmakers from various political parties aimed at deepening bilateral ties, convened a meeting at the Japanese Parliament.

During the meeting, members approved the new leadership of the parliamentary league, formed following the parliamentary elections held on February 8, 2026. Yasutoshi Nishimura, who heads the influential Election Strategy Committee of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, was elected Chairman of the League. Mr. Nishimura brings extensive government experience to the role, having previously served in key positions including Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary.

In his remarks, Mr. Nishimura stated that Kazakhstan is playing an increasingly important role in the regional economy, particularly as a supplier of energy resources and a key link in transcontinental logistics routes. He emphasized that Japan is interested in deepening cooperation with Kazakhstan in the energy sector, including traditional resources such as oil and uranium, as well as in the development of decarbonization technologies.

In this context, Mr. Nishimura announced his intention to visit Astana in the near future to strengthen high-level bilateral dialogue.

Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Japan, Yerlan Baudarbek-Kozhatayev, briefed members of the House of Councillors and the House of Representatives on current issues in bilateral relations, as well as on the progress of the modernization of the country’s political system. He outlined the key provisions of Kazakhstan’s new Constitution, which is set to enter into force on July 1, 2026, and explained the role of the Kurultai as a new supreme representative body of power. The Ambassador also provided detailed information on Kazakhstan’s economic development and highlighted promising investment opportunities for Japanese companies in transportation and logistics, energy, industry, and digitalization.

In addition, Masaki Ishikawa, Special Representative of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Central Asia, presented information on Japan’s foreign policy priorities regarding Kazakhstan. Takako Fujisaka, Deputy Director-General of the Trade Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, spoke about the development of bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-tokyo/press/news/details/1202854?lang=kk