Japan Eyes Bigger Role in Central Asia With First Leaders Summit

Japan will host leaders from five Central Asian nations, convening the first summit at the highest level as the resource-rich region draws growing interest from global powers.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will host top officials from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan for a two-day gathering starting Friday. The schedule includes an official reception, a business forum and a series of leader-level meetings aimed at tightening economic, security and infrastructure cooperation.