A Taliban opposition group has expressed disappointment over a meeting between a Japanese foreign ministry official and a Taliban delegation in Tokyo. The meeting, which was the first-known visit by Taliban officials to Japan since their 2021 takeover of Afghanistan, has sparked concerns about Japan’s stance on human rights in the region.
The opposition group, led by Abdullah Khenjani, has urged Japan not to gamble with its credibility by supporting the Taliban regime, citing its poor record on women’s rights and democracy. The Japanese government has asked the Taliban to reflect the voice of the Afghan people when governing, but the opposition group remains skeptical about Japan’s intentions.