View: Is Tokayev’s Japan visit a strategic turning point for both countries?

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s first official visit to Japan marks a notable moment in relations between the two countries, reflecting a shared interest in deepening cooperation.

Beyond diplomacy, the visit underscores growing strategic and economic considerations, as both sides seek to diversify partnerships and reduce over-reliance on dominant regional powers.

Speaking to Daybreak on AnewZ, Seijiro Takeshita, Professor at the University of Shizuoka, explained to Nadia Gyane why the visit carries particular significance for both Kazakhstan and Japan.

Takeshita highlighted the symbolic and practical weight of the visit, noting that it extends well beyond ceremonial diplomacy.

“It's very significant I mean he's also met with our emperor and it's not only a diplomatic but it's much more to do with economic side as well as you reported earlier.”

He said the visit reflects mutual strategic needs, as both countries look to rebalance their external dependencies.

“I think Japan and both the parties really need each other considering that you need to basically reduce the amount of excess reliability to interior states like that in Russia." he said.

"Kazakhstan is aiming to do that. Japan is aiming also to basically decrease the level of dependency to China.” he added.

According to Takeshita, Kazakhstan and Japan are well positioned to strengthen cooperation in logistics and trade, with significant untapped potential on both sides.

“So, you know we have a very interesting strategic logistic ties that we can strengthen. And at the same time we can boost our trade, there are so much potential on both sides of benefiting from each other.”

He described the visit as a positive step forward for bilateral relations.

“So, I think this is a very very important and a very good move.”

Takeshita’s remarks suggest that President Tokayev’s visit represents a strategic opportunity for Kazakhstan and Japan to expand economic cooperation, enhance logistics connectivity and diversify international partnerships.

Both countries seek to navigate evolving regional dependencies, the visit signals a shared interest in building a more resilient and mutually beneficial relationship.

Copied