Japan Maintains Direct Contacts with IEA Officials Through Kabul Embassy

KABUL -- Japan continues direct communications with Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) officials through its embassy in Kabul despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations, Japanese Ambassador to Kabul Kenichi Masamoto said in an interview with Ariana News.

Masamoto stated that no final decision has been reached on the future of Afghanistan's embassy in Tokyo. "At present, there are no official diplomatic relations, and certain restrictions exist," he said. "However, we are working to find appropriate channels for dialogue and engagement. The Afghan Embassy in Tokyo had been managed by diplomats of the former government appointed under the previous Republic. Following discussions with Japanese authorities, it was agreed that the embassy would close at the end of January, and this has now been completed. No final decisions have been made regarding future arrangements."

The ambassador said progress in the Doha process could help end Afghanistan's isolation and facilitate broader international engagement with the IEA. "As a member of the international community, this process will also create more opportunities for Japan to engage with Afghanistan," Masamoto added.

Masamoto expressed concern over the suspension of secondary and higher education for girls, a position shared by the international community. "Girls’ education is critical for Afghanistan’s future. This is not only the position of the international community—it is also in the best interest of Afghanistan’s future. The international community wants this suspension to end as soon as possible," he said.

Japan will continue supporting the Afghan people with humanitarian aid and basic needs through the United Nations, the ambassador emphasized. The Afghan Embassy in Japan officially closed at the end of January 2026.