The article examines the prerequisites for the formation and development of the multilateral cooperation format “Central Asia + Japan.” It analyzes the main stages of political dialogue between Japan and the Central Asian states, from the establishment of diplomatic relations in the early 1990s to the institutionalization of regular multilateral interaction.

Particular attention is given to the conceptual foundations of Japan’s policy in the region, as well as to the factors that contributed to the intensification of cooperation, including regional security issues, energy diversification, and geopolitical dynamics. The article also explores key dialogue mechanisms, economic, infrastructure, and humanitarian cooperation, and the role of official development assistance in strengthening Japan’s position in the region. The impact of regional political transformations on the development of this format is also highlighted.

It is emphasized that the first summit of Central Asian and Japanese leaders in 2025 marked an important step in institutionalizing strategic partnership and elevated cooperation to a new level.

Central Asia, Japan, “Central Asia Japan,” C5 1, regional cooperation, Japanese foreign policy, economic diplomacy, regional security.

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