Uzbek-Japanese Center Opens in Bukhara

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — An Uzbek-Japanese Center has opened at Bukhara State Technical University to serve as a platform for expanding cooperation between Uzbekistan and Japan in education, science, innovation and cultural and humanitarian exchanges.

The opening ceremony was attended by Bukhara Region Governor Botir Zaripov, Bukhara State Technical University Rector Sadokat Siddikova, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Uzbekistan Kenji Hirata, Embassy Adviser Kuriya Tsutaki, JICA Uzbekistan Office Director Mamoru Sakai, JICA Project Development Consultant Naomi Abe, Uzbek-Japanese Center Co-Directors Hiroo Iwasaki and Alisher Azizovich Paigamov, Center Coordinator and JICA representative Heizo Nakamura, National Coordinator of the Center Ulugbek Ahmadovich Azamov, University of Tsukuba Professor Wakana Yamaguchi, Japanese language professor Shoko Takada, Director of the Bukhara City Office of the Center Shahrukh Kamolovich Makhmudov and other guests.

The center will primarily focus on expanding opportunities for young people. It is planned to provide opportunities to study the Japanese language and culture, exchange international experience, participate in scientific and innovative projects, and gain new educational and professional opportunities.

The opening of the center marks a new stage in the development of Uzbek-Japanese relations and the expansion of cooperation between educational and scientific institutions in the two countries.

As part of the Japanese delegation’s visit, Kenji Hirata also met with Bukhara Region Governor Botir Zaripov. The sides discussed employment, entrepreneurship development, job creation, mutually beneficial projects and the expansion of bilateral cooperation.

The Japanese delegation was also introduced to the activities and facilities of the new Bukhara Region administration building.

In addition, a tour of Bukhara’s historical and cultural attractions was organized for the delegation led by the Japanese ambassador. The guests visited the city’s architectural monuments and learned about its historical atmosphere, shaped over centuries.

The Japanese guests showed particular interest in Bukhara’s history as one of the centers of science, education, crafts and trade along the Silk Road. During the tour, the delegation also viewed examples of national crafts, traditional decorative and applied arts, and ancient architectural features.

The opening of the Uzbek-Japanese Center, meetings between representatives of the two countries and the cultural program formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen friendly ties and expand educational and cultural exchanges between Uzbekistan and Japan.