Woman of Uyghur and Uzbek Heritage Appointed Japan’s Deputy Foreign Minister

Woman of Uyghur and Uzbek Heritage Appointed Japan’s Deputy Foreign Minister

Arfiya Eri, whose father is Uyghur and mother is Uzbek, has been elected to Japan’s parliament and appointed as the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Eri made history as the first Uyghur woman to serve in Japan’s parliament. Before entering politics, she worked at the Bank of Japan and with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Born and raised in Japan, Arfiya Eri has focused her career on international relations, gender equality, and social sustainability. In her new role, she stated that she will prioritize regional cooperation and the promotion of human rights within Japan’s foreign policy.

Her appointment has been celebrated both in Japan and among Central Asian communities as a symbol of diversity, talent, and cultural connection.