Kazakhstan and Japan Strengthen Strategic Partnership with Smart City Agreement and Technological Collaborations
December 19, 2025 | ALMATY — Kazakhstan and Japan have taken a significant step forward in their bilateral relations by enhancing cooperation in digital innovation, smart city development, and high-technology investments. This advancement was underscored during President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s official visit to Japan on December 18–19, which culminated in a new capital-to-capital partnership agreement and progress on collaborative projects spanning biotechnology, artificial intelligence (AI), and nuclear medicine.
High-Level Engagements Forge New Pathways in Digital Innovation
During his visit, President Tokayev met with Hiroshi Mikitani, founder and CEO of the Rakuten Group, one of the world’s foremost digital conglomerates. Praising Rakuten’s contribution to building one of the most advanced global digital ecosystems, Tokayev highlighted the company’s expertise as invaluable for Kazakhstan’s ongoing technological transformation. He welcomed Rakuten’s growing interest in the Kazakh market and expressed a desire for closer collaboration with Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development.
A particular area of interest lies in Rakuten’s cutting-edge biotechnological research focused on innovative cancer treatment methods. The Akorda press service reported that Kazakhstan views this partnership as a promising opportunity to advance its healthcare technologies via digital innovation.
Astana and Tokyo Forge Smart City Collaboration
A pivotal moment of President Tokayev’s visit was his meeting with Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike. The discussions centered on enhancing cooperation in digital governance, smart city technologies, AI application, and sustainable urban development. Following these talks, Astana Mayor Zhenis Kassymbek and Governor Koike signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at deepening cooperation between the two capitals.
President Tokayev emphasized the significant potential for integrating artificial intelligence into municipal management systems to improve urban efficiency and quality of life for citizens. Tokyo officials showcased their comprehensive Smart City concept, outlining advanced solutions employed in the metropolis to optimize urban infrastructure and service delivery. This partnership signals new opportunities for knowledge exchange and joint initiatives that promote smart, sustainable cities in both countries.
Advancing Nuclear Medicine and High-Tech Industry Projects
On December 19, President Tokayev held talks with Shingo Ueno, President of Sumitomo Corporation, a leading Japanese investment group. Tokayev affirmed Kazakhstan’s recognition of Sumitomo as a strategic, long-term partner committed to sustainable business practices.
A notable initiative discussed was a major collaborative project between Sumitomo and Kazatomprom aimed at advancing nuclear medicine. This project focuses on developing innovative scientific methods to produce medical radioisotopes from uranium-processing byproducts, which promise breakthroughs in medical diagnostics and treatment technologies.
Further conversations covered expanding bilateral cooperation in sectors such as transportation, logistics, energy, metallurgy, and geological exploration. Both leaders expressed readiness to progress new investment ventures across these fields, signaling a broadening of economic ties.
Cultural Ties Celebrated: Meeting with Kazakh Sumo Wrestler
In addition to economic and technological discussions, President Tokayev met with Yersin Baltagul, Kazakhstan’s renowned professional sumo wrestler competing under the ring name Kimbōzan. Recognizing Baltagul’s decade-long international success and his role in strengthening cultural ties, Tokayev said, “the people of Kazakhstan take great pride in his achievements.”
This meeting reinforced previous discussions Tokayev held with Emperor Naruhito, noting Baltagul as a symbol of the enduring cultural bridges between Kazakhstan and Japan.
The strengthened partnership between Kazakhstan and Japan heralds a promising era of enhanced cooperation in technology, urban innovation, and cultural exchange. These initiatives underscore mutual commitment to leveraging innovation to address contemporary challenges, boost economic growth, and deepen the longstanding friendship between the two nations.
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Reported by Ayana Birbayeva for The Astana Times
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