Student Karuta Tournament Held in Tashkent

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Young people in Uzbekistan demonstrated their knowledge of Japanese language and culture during a tournament dedicated to the traditional Japanese card game Karuta. The event was organized by the Embassy of Japan in Uzbekistan.

The annual competition took place on 14 March 2026 at the Ikuo Hirayama International Caravanserai of Culture. Students studying Japanese at various universities across the country competed for top honors.

More than 20 students participated in the tournament, representing the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, Tashkent State University of Law, Uzbekistan State World Languages University, University of World Economy and Diplomacy, Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages, Japan Digital University, the academic lyceum affiliated with the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, and the Uzbek-Japanese Center.

The participants were welcomed by Shinichiro Nakamura, Deputy Head of Mission and Counsellor at the Embassy of Japan in Uzbekistan.

All participants were familiar with the rules of the game, as preliminary qualifying rounds had been held at their educational institutions prior to the final stage. Karuta requires quick reactions: players must rapidly identify and take the correct card after a prompt is read aloud. Competitors play in teams while observers carefully monitor adherence to the rules.

The students were also supported by Sakio Sugaya, a volunteer Japanese language teacher at the Uzbek-Japanese Center and the Tashkent State Agrarian University. According to him, during his time in Uzbekistan he has seen strong enthusiasm among local youth for learning the Japanese language.

“People of different generations in Japan enjoy this card game. With a history of about 800 years, it helps develop memory, reaction speed and concentration. It also allows young people to make new friends,” Sugaya said.

The Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies is traditionally known for its strong Japanese language program, with around 70 students beginning the study of Japanese language and culture each year. One of its students, Sevara Ismailova, secured second place in the tournament.

According to Barnohon Shamsieva, a Japanese language instructor at the university, the language remains prestigious and in demand among students despite its complexity.

An important motivation for students is the opportunity to undertake internships in Japan. The best students can participate in grant-funded training programs lasting from three to twelve months, with 12–15 students from the university receiving such opportunities annually.

According to the final results of the tournament, Angelika Yusupova from the Uzbek-Japanese Center won first place. Sevara Ismailova from the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies took second place, while Malika Salokhiddinova from the Uzbekistan State World Languages University finished third. Ismail Bakhtiyorov from the same university ranked fourth. Sarvara Kakhoro va from the University of World Economy and Diplomacy and Oltinoy Sultanova from the Tashkent State University of Law were also among the finalists.

Winners and prize-holders received commemorative awards. Organizers noted that such events contribute to the promotion of Japanese language and culture among Uzbek youth and help strengthen humanitarian ties between the two countries.