Afghanistan’s embassy in Japan, which is run by diplomats from the former government, said it will suspend all operations from Jan. 31, 2026.
In a statement on Friday, the embassy said the decision followed consultations initiated by Japan’s foreign ministry and was reached by mutual agreement.
“All activities and services of the embassy, including political, economic, cultural and consular affairs, will be suspended until further notice,” the statement said.
The embassy said the move was taken in close coordination with Japanese authorities and in line with the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. It added that the Japanese government would continue to respect and safeguard the Afghan diplomatic premises under the convention.
The embassy in Tokyo is headed by Shaida Mohammad Abdali, who was appointed ambassador by Afghanistan’s former president in January 2021.
Following the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, Afghanistan’s embassy in Japan has continued to be operated by diplomats from the previous government. It remains unclear whether or when its activities might resume. Japan’s government has not commented publicly on the announcement.
Japan’s embassy in Kabul has also been operating under a chargé d’affaires since the Taliban takeover.
