Japan in Central Asia: Balancing strategic influence and economic diplomacy

The study aimed to identify the specifics of Japan’s soft power application in Central Asia and examine the role of cultural diplomacy in advancing geo-economic interests from 2004 to 2025. The methodology included institutional analysis of Japanese cultural diplomacy, a comparative-regional approach to assess initiatives across Central Asian countries, structural-functional analysis of links between cultural diplomacy and geo-economic outcomes, and comparative analysis of the competitive environment. It was established that Japan’s soft power model is based on the concept of “human security” and differs from Western approaches through the avoidance of direct political pressure. The study identified the institutional framework involving the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Japan Foundation, the Ministry of Education, and public-private partnerships. The mechanisms of cultural diplomacy implementation were analyzed, including educational programmes, 23 Japanese language centers operating across the five Central Asian countries, and technological cooperation projects. The analysis identified 826 participants in Japanese human resource development programmes, demonstrating the role of educational networks in strengthening institutional linkages. A shift in Japanese strategy was identified from political dialogue toward investment-oriented cooperation after 2022 in response to increasing regional competition. The study contributes to understanding cultural diplomacy as a mechanism of geo-economic influence in a multipolar environment.