Japan-Central Asia summit

Japan-Central Asia summit

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (3rd from R) and the leaders of a group of five Central Asian countries -- Kyrgyzstan's President Sadyr Japarov (2nd from R), Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev (far L), Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon (2nd from L), Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (3rd from L) and Turkmenistan's President Serdar Berdimuhamedow (far R) -- pose for a photo prior to their first-ever summit, held in Tokyo on Dec. 20, 2025. (Pool photo)

Japan-Central Asia summit

Japan-Central Asia summit

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and the leaders of a group of five Central Asian countries -- Kyrgyzstan's President Sadyr Japarov (2nd from R), Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev (far L), Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon (2nd from L), Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (3rd from L) and Turkmenistan's President Serdar Berdimuhamedow (far R) -- pose for a photo prior to their first-ever summit, held in Tokyo on Dec. 20, 2025. (Pool photo)

Japan PM hosts banquet for leaders of 5 Central Asian nations

Japan PM hosts banquet for leaders of 5 Central Asian nations

Photo taken on Dec. 19, 2025, shows a banquet hosted by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the State Guest House in Tokyo for the leaders of five Central Asian countries -- Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan. (Pool photo)

Japan PM hosts banquet for leaders of 5 Central Asian nations

Japan PM hosts banquet for leaders of 5 Central Asian nations

Photo taken on Dec. 19, 2025, shows a banquet hosted by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (back, 2nd from R) at the State Guest House in Tokyo for the leaders of five Central Asian countries -- Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan. (Pool photo)

Kazakhstan's president in Tokyo

Kazakhstan's president in Tokyo

Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (back, 2nd from R) attends a luncheon hosted by Japanese Emperor Naruhito (back, R) at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Dec. 18, 2025. (Pool photo)

Kazakhstan's president in Tokyo

Kazakhstan's president in Tokyo

Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (R) prepares to attend a luncheon hosted by Japanese Emperor Naruhito (L) at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Dec. 18, 2025. (Pool photo)

Kazakhstan's president in Tokyo

Kazakhstan's president in Tokyo

Japan's Emperor Naruhito (R) meets with Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Dec. 18, 2025. (Pool photo)

Kazakhstan's president in Tokyo

Kazakhstan's president in Tokyo

Japan's Emperor Naruhito (R) meets with Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Dec. 18, 2025. (Pool photo)

Kazakhstan's president in Tokyo

Kazakhstan's president in Tokyo

Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (4th from R) attends a luncheon hosted by Japanese Emperor Naruhito (3rd from R) at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Dec. 18, 2025, with Crown Prince Fumihito (3rd from L) also in attendance. (Pool photo)

Kazakhstan's president in Tokyo

Kazakhstan's president in Tokyo

Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (L) is welcomed by Japan's Emperor Naruhito upon his arrival at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Dec. 18, 2025. (Pool photo)

Japan, Kazakhstan agree to strengthen partnership

Japan, Kazakhstan agree to strengthen partnership

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (4th from R) and Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (5th from L) hold talks at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Dec. 18, 2025.

Japan, Kazakhstan agree to strengthen partnership

Japan, Kazakhstan agree to strengthen partnership

Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev speaks during talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Dec. 18, 2025.

Japan, Kazakhstan agree to strengthen partnership

Japan, Kazakhstan agree to strengthen partnership

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks during talks with Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Dec. 18, 2025.

Japan, Kazakhstan agree to strengthen partnership

Japan, Kazakhstan agree to strengthen partnership

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) shakes hands with Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev ahead of their talks at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Dec. 18, 2025.

Japan, Kazakhstan agree to strengthen partnership

Japan, Kazakhstan agree to strengthen partnership

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) shakes hands with Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during a signing ceremony at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Dec. 18, 2025, after they agreed to strengthen the bilateral partnership across a range of areas including mineral supply chains.

Speed skating: World Cup in Hamar

Speed skating: World Cup in Hamar

Miho Takagi (C) of Japan poses after winning the women's 1,500 meters gold at a World Cup speed skating meet in Hamar, Norway, on Dec. 12, 2025, alongside silver medalist Nadezhda Morozova (L) of Kazakhstan and bronze medalist Ragne Wiklund of Norway.

Illustration - Versailles

Illustration - Versailles

FRANCE, YVELINES (78) DOMAINE DE VERSAILLES, CASTLE AND GARDENS, LATONA S FOUNTAIN AND PARTERRE, TOURIST FROM KAZAKHSTAN Photo by Jarry Tripelon/Only Paris/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Versailles

Illustration - Versailles

FRANCE, YVELINES (78) DOMAINE DE VERSAILLES, CASTLE AND GARDENS, LATONA S FOUNTAIN AND PARTERRE, TOURIST FROM KAZAKHSTAN Photo by Jarry Tripelon/Only Paris/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Versailles

Illustration - Versailles

FRANCE, YVELINES (78) DOMAINE DE VERSAILLES, CASTLE AND GARDENS, LATONA S FOUNTAIN AND PARTERRE, TOURIST FROM KAZAKHSTAN Photo by Jarry Tripelon/Only Paris/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Versailles

Illustration - Versailles

FRANCE, YVELINES (78) DOMAINE DE VERSAILLES, CASTLE AND GARDENS, LATONA S FOUNTAIN AND PARTERRE, TOURIST FROM KAZAKHSTAN Photo by Jarry Tripelon/Only Paris/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Versailles

Illustration - Versailles

FRANCE, YVELINES (78) DOMAINE DE VERSAILLES, CASTLE AND GARDENS, LATONA S FOUNTAIN AND PARTERRE, TOURIST FROM KAZAKHSTAN Photo by Jarry Tripelon/Only Paris/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Versailles

Illustration - Versailles

FRANCE, YVELINES (78) DOMAINE DE VERSAILLES, CASTLE AND GARDENS, LATONA S FOUNTAIN AND PARTERRE, TOURIST FROM KAZAKHSTAN Photo by Jarry Tripelon/Only Paris/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Versailles

Illustration - Versailles

FRANCE, YVELINES (78) DOMAINE DE VERSAILLES, CASTLE AND GARDENS, LATONA S FOUNTAIN AND PARTERRE, TOURIST FROM KAZAKHSTAN Photo by Jarry Tripelon/Only Paris/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Versailles

Illustration - Versailles

FRANCE, YVELINES (78) DOMAINE DE VERSAILLES, CASTLE AND GARDENS, LATONA S FOUNTAIN AND PARTERRE, TOURIST FROM KAZAKHSTAN Photo by Jarry Tripelon/Only Paris/ABACAPRESS.COM

SKI JUMPING WORLD CUP FALUN (SWE)

SKI JUMPING WORLD CUP FALUN (SWE)

Alyona Sviridenko, Kazakhstan, jumps in the Women's Individual HS95 FIS World Cup Ski Jumping at Lugnet Stadium in Falun, Sweden, Novemer 28, 2025.Photo: Fredrik Sandberg / TT / Code 10080

SKI JUMPING WORLD CUP FALUN (SWE)

SKI JUMPING WORLD CUP FALUN (SWE)

Alyona Sviridenko, Kazakhstan, jumps in the Women's Individual HS95 FIS World Cup Ski Jumping at Lugnet Stadium in Falun, Sweden, Novemer 28, 2025.Photo: Fredrik Sandberg / TT / Code 10080

Xi'an Chanba International Port

Xi'an Chanba International Port

A crane works at the Xi'an International Port Station in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, November 14, 2025. Launched in 2013, the China-Europe freight train in Xi'an has ranked first nationwide in key aspects such as the number of trains, freight volume and laden-container ratio for many years. Today, the Xi'an International Port Station operates 59 railway routes, with a designed annual container throughput of 5.4 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs). Projects such as the Kazakhstan-Xi'an port have been completed and put into operation, facilitating trade and transportation with Europe and Asia, accelerating the city's transformation into a modern international trade and logistics hub.Photo by Shao Rui/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Xi'an Chanba International Port

Xi'an Chanba International Port

Workers operate at the Kazakhstan-Xi'an port of the Xi'an International Port Station in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, November 14, 2025. Launched in 2013, the China-Europe freight train in Xi'an has ranked first nationwide in key aspects such as the number of trains, freight volume and laden-container ratio for many years. Today, the Xi'an International Port Station operates 59 railway routes, with a designed annual container throughput of 5.4 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs). Projects such as the Kazakhstan-Xi'an port have been completed and put into operation, facilitating trade and transportation with Europe and Asia, accelerating the city's transformation into a modern international trade and logistics hub.Photo by Shao Rui/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Xi'an Chanba International Port

Xi'an Chanba International Port

An aerial drone photo taken on November 14, 2025 shows cranes working at the Xi'an International Port Station in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Launched in 2013, the China-Europe freight train in Xi'an has ranked first nationwide in key aspects such as the number of trains, freight volume and laden-container ratio for many years. Today, the Xi'an International Port Station operates 59 railway routes, with a designed annual container throughput of 5.4 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs). Projects such as the Kazakhstan-Xi'an port have been completed and put into operation, facilitating trade and transportation with Europe and Asia, accelerating the city's transformation into a modern international trade and logistics hub.Photo by Shao Rui/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Xi'an Chanba International Port

Xi'an Chanba International Port

An aerial drone photo taken on November 14, 2025 shows the Kazakhstan-Xi'an port of the Xi'an International Port Station in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Launched in 2013, the China-Europe freight train in Xi'an has ranked first nationwide in key aspects such as the number of trains, freight volume and laden-container ratio for many years. Today, the Xi'an International Port Station operates 59 railway routes, with a designed annual container throughput of 5.4 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs). Projects such as the Kazakhstan-Xi'an port have been completed and put into operation, facilitating trade and transportation with Europe and Asia, accelerating the city's transformation into a modern international trade and logistics hub.Photo by Shao Rui/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Xi'an Chanba International Port

Xi'an Chanba International Port

Workers load a new energy vehicle onto a container at the Kazakhstan-Xi'an port of the Xi'an International Port Station in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, November 14, 2025. Launched in 2013, the China-Europe freight train in Xi'an has ranked first nationwide in key aspects such as the number of trains, freight volume and laden-container ratio for many years. Today, the Xi'an International Port Station operates 59 railway routes, with a designed annual container throughput of 5.4 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs). Projects such as the Kazakhstan-Xi'an port have been completed and put into operation, facilitating trade and transportation with Europe and Asia, accelerating the city's transformation into a modern international trade and logistics hub.Photo by Shao Rui/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Xi'an Chanba International Port

Xi'an Chanba International Port

An aerial drone photo taken on November 14, 2025 shows an auto logistics base at the Xi'an International Port Station in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Launched in 2013, the China-Europe freight train in Xi'an has ranked first nationwide in key aspects such as the number of trains, freight volume and laden-container ratio for many years. Today, the Xi'an International Port Station operates 59 railway routes, with a designed annual container throughput of 5.4 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs). Projects such as the Kazakhstan-Xi'an port have been completed and put into operation, facilitating trade and transportation with Europe and Asia, accelerating the city's transformation into a modern international trade and logistics hub.Photo by Shao Rui/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Xi'an Chanba International Port

Xi'an Chanba International Port

A truck drives into the Xi'an International Port Station in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, November 14, 2025. Launched in 2013, the China-Europe freight train in Xi'an has ranked first nationwide in key aspects such as the number of trains, freight volume and laden-container ratio for many years. Today, the Xi'an International Port Station operates 59 railway routes, with a designed annual container throughput of 5.4 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs). Projects such as the Kazakhstan-Xi'an port have been completed and put into operation, facilitating trade and transportation with Europe and Asia, accelerating the city's transformation into a modern international trade and logistics hub.Photo by Shao Rui/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Figure skating: Skate America

Figure skating: Skate America

Kevin Aymoz (C) of France poses after winning gold in the men's event at the Skate America figure skating competition in Lake Placid, New York, on Nov. 15, 2025, alongside silver medalist Mikhail Shaidorov (L) of Kazakhstan and bronze medalist Kazuki Tomono of Japan.

Figure skating: Skate America

Figure skating: Skate America

Kevin Aymoz (C) of France poses after winning gold in the men's event at the Skate America figure skating competition in Lake Placid, New York, on Nov. 15, 2025, alongside silver medalist Mikhail Shaidorov (L) of Kazakhstan and bronze medalist Kazuki Tomono of Japan.

Figure skating: NHK Trophy

Figure skating: NHK Trophy

Sofia Samodelkina of Kazakhstan performs during the exhibition gala of the NHK Trophy figure skating competition in Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture, on Nov. 9, 2025.

Figure skating: NHK Trophy

Figure skating: NHK Trophy

Kaori Sakamoto (C) of Japan poses after winning gold in the women's event at the NHK Trophy figure skating competition in Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture, on Nov. 8, 2025, alongside silver medalist Sofia Samodelkina of Kazakhstan (L) and bronze medalist Loena Hendrickx of Belgium.

Figure skating: NHK Trophy

Figure skating: NHK Trophy

Kaori Sakamoto (C) of Japan poses after winning gold in the women's event at the NHK Trophy figure skating competition in Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture, on Nov. 8, 2025, alongside silver medalist Sofia Samodelkina of Kazakhstan (L) and bronze medalist Loena Hendrickx of Belgium.

Figure skating: NHK Trophy

Figure skating: NHK Trophy

Kaori Sakamoto (C) of Japan poses after winning gold in the women's event at the NHK Trophy figure skating competition in Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture, on Nov. 8, 2025, alongside silver medalist Sofia Samodelkina of Kazakhstan (L) and bronze medalist Loena Hendrickx of Belgium.

Figure skating: NHK Trophy

Figure skating: NHK Trophy

Sofia Samodelkina of Kazakhstan performs in the women's free program at the NHK Trophy figure skating competition in Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture, on Nov. 8, 2025.

Figure skating: NHK Trophy

Figure skating: NHK Trophy

Sofia Samodelkina of Kazakhstan performs in the women's short program at the NHK Trophy figure skating competition in Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture, on Nov. 7, 2025.

Figure skating: NHK Trophy

Figure skating: NHK Trophy

Sofia Samodelkina of Kazakhstan performs in the women's short program at the NHK Trophy figure skating competition in Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture, on Nov. 7, 2025.

CALCIO - UEFA Champions League - Inter - FC Internazionale vs FC Kairat Almaty

CALCIO - UEFA Champions League - Inter - FC Internazionale vs FC Kairat Almaty

Dastan Satpayev of FC Kairat Almaty competes for the ball with Davide Frattesi of FC Internazionale during UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase - Matchday 4 football match between FC Internazionale and FC Kairat Almaty at San Siro Stadium in Milan

CALCIO - UEFA Champions League - Inter - FC Internazionale vs FC Kairat Almaty

CALCIO - UEFA Champions League - Inter - FC Internazionale vs FC Kairat Almaty

Denzel Dumfries of FC Internazionale seen in action during UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase - Matchday 4 football match between FC Internazionale and FC Kairat Almaty at San Siro Stadium in Milan

CALCIO - UEFA Champions League - Inter - FC Internazionale vs FC Kairat Almaty

CALCIO - UEFA Champions League - Inter - FC Internazionale vs FC Kairat Almaty

Denzel Dumfries of FC Internazionale seen in action during UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase - Matchday 4 football match between FC Internazionale and FC Kairat Almaty at San Siro Stadium in Milan

CALCIO - UEFA Champions League - Inter - FC Internazionale vs FC Kairat Almaty

CALCIO - UEFA Champions League - Inter - FC Internazionale vs FC Kairat Almaty

Nicolo Barella of FC Internazionale seen in action during UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase - Matchday 4 football match between FC Internazionale and FC Kairat Almaty at San Siro Stadium in Milan

CALCIO - UEFA Champions League - Inter - FC Internazionale vs FC Kairat Almaty

CALCIO - UEFA Champions League - Inter - FC Internazionale vs FC Kairat Almaty

Denzel Dumfries of FC Internazionale looks on during UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase - Matchday 4 football match between FC Internazionale and FC Kairat Almaty at San Siro Stadium in Milan

CALCIO - UEFA Champions League - Inter - FC Internazionale vs FC Kairat Almaty

CALCIO - UEFA Champions League - Inter - FC Internazionale vs FC Kairat Almaty

Francesco Esposito of FC Internazionale seen in action during UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase - Matchday 4 football match between FC Internazionale and FC Kairat Almaty at San Siro Stadium in Milan

CALCIO - UEFA Champions League - Inter - FC Internazionale vs FC Kairat Almaty

CALCIO - UEFA Champions League - Inter - FC Internazionale vs FC Kairat Almaty

Dastan Satpayev of FC Kairat Almaty competes for the ball with Davide Frattesi of FC Internazionale during UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase - Matchday 4 football match between FC Internazionale and FC Kairat Almaty at San Siro Stadium in Milan

CALCIO - UEFA Champions League - Inter - FC Internazionale vs FC Kairat Almaty

CALCIO - UEFA Champions League - Inter - FC Internazionale vs FC Kairat Almaty

Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale seen in action during UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase - Matchday 4 football match between FC Internazionale and FC Kairat Almaty at San Siro Stadium in Milan