Japan’s ambassador to Afghanistan has called for expanded girls’ education at secondary levels and above. This plea comes amid ongoing Taliban restrictions that have kept millions of girls out of school since 2021. The statement highlights international concerns over human rights in the country.
Japan’s ambassador to Afghanistan, Kenichi Masamoto, stated that Japan urges girls education in Afghanistan while respecting local views. He noted that girls education Afghanistan Japanese envoy sees as vital for the nation’s future and global ties.
Ambassador’s Call for Progress
Kenichi Masamoto, the Japanese ambassador Afghanistan girls education advocate, expressed Japan’s position in a recent statement. “Girls’ education is an issue that the international community pays attention to, and Japan is part of this international community, so we also care about this matter,” he said. He added that Japan respects ground realities and local people.
The ambassador encouraged expansion of girls’ education at secondary level and above. He hoped Afghanistan’s government and people decide in their best interest, aligning with global expectations. Masamoto expects the Islamic Emirate to advance in security, counter-narcotics, human rights, and women’s rights, including education, for better international integration.
This aligns with prior Japanese stances. In December 2024, Japan’s UN ambassador Kazuyuki Yamazaki voiced deep concern over a reported edict banning women from medical education. “We are deeply concerned about the reported new edict banning women and girls from receiving education at medical institutions,” Yamazaki said in a statement. He urged the Taliban to reverse policies restricting women and girls’ rights.
In September 2024, Japan joined a joint statement at the UN. It condemned Taliban’s systemic gender discrimination. The statement urged swift reversal of restrictions on women and girls’ education, work, expression, and movement.
Taliban Response and Local Voices
The Taliban has described girls’ education as an internal affair. They have asked countries not to interfere. Schools for girls above sixth grade remain closed since the Taliban took power in August 2021.
Female students have called for reopening. Shabana, a university student, said: “We want the doors of universities to be reopened so we can achieve our goals and graduate.” Hoda, a school student, stated: “I wanted to become a successful journalist, but our future is now uncertain.”
Women’s rights activists demand support for women’s rights. Tafsir Siyahpoosh said: “Despite international support for education, unfortunately the Islamic Emirate has so far been unable to make a decision regarding women’s right to education.”
On 24 January 2026, UNICEF and UNESCO reported 2.2 million adolescent girls barred from secondary education. Afghanistan is the only country fully barring girls and women from secondary and higher education. The agencies urged action for equitable access.
Background
Afghanistan’s education crisis deepened after the Taliban regained control. In March 2022, they failed to reopen secondary schools for girls despite promises. In December 2022, universities closed to women.
Japan has historically supported Afghanistan’s education. In September 2023, Japan partnered with UNICEF to build and rehabilitate 165 schools for 33,000 children. Embassy posts stressed support for all children, boys and girls, to access education.
In November 2025, Japan donated USD 5.6 million via UNDP for women’s livelihoods. Ambassador Masamoto said: “Japan stands with the people of Afghanistan, especially women, in their pursuit of economic independence and dignity.”
In January 2026, Japan provided USD 240,000 in aid. Masamoto reiterated support for Afghans, especially women. On 19 January 2026, he met Taliban officials, affirming Tokyo avoids internal interference.
These efforts show Japan’s ongoing humanitarian aid. Since 2001, Japan has contributed over USD 7 billion to Afghanistan’s reconstruction, including education infrastructure.
The issue matters in South Asia as Afghanistan’s stability affects neighbours. Restricted girls’ education hampers development, potentially increasing poverty and instability. Regional countries like Pakistan and India monitor human rights, as they impact migration and security.
UN data shows 80 percent of school-aged Afghan girls out of school. This limits workforce participation. World Bank reports women’s education boosts GDP growth by up to 2 percent annually in low-income countries.
In July 2025, former ambassador Takayoshi Kuromiya urged Taliban reopen girls schools Japan support for medical fields. “I respectfully urge the de facto authorities to consider allowing girls to return to school, especially in areas such as medicine, nursing, and public health,” he said.
Such calls reflect global pressure. The US, EU, and others have tied aid to rights improvements.
Challenges Ahead
Restrictions extend beyond education. In August 2024, Taliban issued a vice and virtue law limiting women’s public roles. Japan expressed deep concern, urging engagement with Afghan women’s voices for education and work.
Activists argue education is key to empowerment. Without it, generations face limited opportunities. Data from UNESCO indicates over 1 million girls denied university since 2022.
Japan’s diplomacy balances aid with advocacy. In 2023, embassy meetings with Afghan leaders stressed reopening schools.
International coordination continues. G7 statements in 2023 and 2024 urged inclusive policies.
What’s Next after Japan Urges Girls Education
Prospects remain uncertain. Taliban officials have cited curriculum reviews, but no timeline given. International donors monitor progress.
Japan urges girls education in Afghanistan as essential for sustainable peace. Continued dialogue may lead to positive changes.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, February 2nd, 2026
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