Japan is in the process of taking on a mediation role to end the war in Myanmar as part of its renewed cooperation with the United States

On May 10, 2024, representatives of the Cabinet of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida received for the first time a delegation from the Myanmar National Unity Government (NUG), which formally arrived in Tokyo to establish ties with Japanese non-governmental organizations.

The NUG mission included delegates from the leading resistance groups to the junta: The Karen National Union, the Chin National Front, and the Karenni National Progressive Party. This is Japan’s step toward recognizing the NUG as the legitimate government of Myanmar.

According to Nikkei Asia, the main topic of the talks was Tokyo’s involvement as a mediator in negotiations between Myanmar’s numerous resistance forces and the junta to end the civil war, which entered its final phase in October 2023.