This visit is not accidental; the trip is timed to coincide with the anniversary – the twentieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Uzbekistan. This time has brought new substance to the relations between the countries and advanced bilateral cooperation. 'The main and priority direction in the programs is the connection in the field of culture and art,' commented ministry employees.
The Japanese delegation will tour the ancient cities of Uzbekistan, traveling to the Surkhandarya region, where unique artifacts of a very ancient Buddhist culture were found. Japanese archaeologists are directly involved in the excavations.
During their stay in Uzbekistan, artists from the Land of the Rising Sun will give concerts in Tashkent and Samarkand. On September 1, the opening of an exhibition of Japanese artists and a festive concert by professional Japanese actors are planned at the State Museum of Arts of Uzbekistan.
In the prefecture, the Association of Friendship with Central Asia has been successfully operating for many years, paying great attention to maintaining and developing cooperation with Japan. It should be noted that the musical work of the head of the Japanese delegation, the famous composer Otaki Nobutaka, called 'My Dear Uzbekistan', is very popular in Gunma Prefecture.
Possible plans for further development of cultural ties were discussed at an event at the State Museum of Arts of Uzbekistan. Exhibits of ancient Japanese art were highly appreciated by museum guests, and everyone could also admire the works of the world-famous Japanese artist Hiroshige Utagawa. The audience appreciated the skill of musician Katsumi Matsumoto. He amazed the public by playing works of Japanese authors on national instruments and even presented one of the instruments to the museum.
The next day of the Japanese guests' stay was equally bright and eventful. On that day, everyone interested inspected the unique ancient monuments of Samarkand, and as a gift, a concert was organized for the residents of the ancient city. And on September 3, they met with folk craftsmen of Gijduvan and art connoisseurs of Bukhara.
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