As previously reported, Akie Abe, wife of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, arrived in our country on August 3.

As previously reported, Akie Abe, wife of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, arrived in our country on August 3.

On August 4 Akie Abe, accompanied by Tatyana Karimova, wife of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimo, visited the Museum of Applied Arts of Uzbekistan.

Uzbek and Japanese peoples have much in common. Such qualities as national pride, hard work, loyalty, virtuousness are equally inherent to them. These aspects are an important factor in consolidation of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Uzbek-Japanese relations have been developing in the spirit of the Joint Statement on Friendship, Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and the Joint Declaration on deepening and expanding strategic partnership. Official visit of the Head of our state Islam Karimov to Japan in February 2011, and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to Uzbekistan in October 2015 raised the relations between our countries to a new level.

Uzbekistan and Japan along with other sectors are consistently expanding cultural and humanitarian cooperation. Under the "Official Development Assistance" Program and through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) the sides carry out a number of projects in the socio-economic and cultural spheres. The Days of Culture and Cinema of Uzbekistan are organized in Japan. Creative leaders of the Land of the Rising Sun are actively involved in international forums ongoing in our country, in particular, the international music festival "Sharq taronalari". In 2015 the group "Shamisen" from Japan won the first place in the festival "Sharq taronalari".

Opening of the monument to the great Uzbek poet and thinker Alisher Navoi in Tokyo in 2004 was a vivid manifestation of great respect of the Japanese people for people of Uzbekistan, the Uzbek literature and art. Japanese scientists say that the works of Alisher Navoi still play a special role in the education of youth in the spirit of creation, peace and friendship with other nations.

Japanese scientist and artist Ikuo Hirayama has dedicated his life to the study of ancient history and traditions of the Great Silk Road. The artist, who came several times to our country, in his paintings portrayed the unique monuments of our ancient cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara, our abundant markets, comfortable towns and villages, the images of our hardworking countrymen. In Tashkent, in memory of the scientist and the artist at the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan opened the International Caravanserai of Culture of Ikuo Hirayama.

Professor Kyudzo Kato from Japan together with our scientists conducted a series of archaeological research dedicated to study of the Great Silk Road, the ancient state of Bactria, translated into Japanese works of Mirzo Ulugbek, Babur and our other great scientists and thinkers. According to the Resolution of the President Islam Karimov Kyudzo Kato was awarded the highest award of our country - the Order "Dustlik".

Uzbekistan-Japan Center is making a worthy contribution to human resources development, "Uzbekistan - Japan" and "Japan - Uzbekistan" friendship societies in consolidating relations between our peoples. There is a growing interest in the study of Japanese language, culture and art in Uzbekistan, while Uzbek language, history and culture of our people is of particular interest to Japan. Since 2015, ​​the Japanese language is taught as the first foreign language at the Uzbek State University of World Languages.

The Japanese garden, opened in Tashkent in 2001 and embodying the national values ​​and culture of the Japanese people, has become a favorite place for residents and guests of our capital.

Akie Abe’s visit to our country has become a logical continuation of official visit of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. This visit plays an important role in further advancement of cultural ties between our countries.

The Museum of Applied Arts contains more than 7000 exhibits, telling about the rich culture and history of our people.

Akie Abe has acquainted with national costumes and musical instruments, embroidery patterns, gold, jewelry, coinage and pottery, as well as the processes of embroidery, carpet weaving and engraving on metal. National classical music was performed.

Samples of national handicraft and folk art left a great impression on the guest. Akie Abe commended the work on the study of history, the revival of national values, education of youth on the basis of historical memory and national pride, carried out in our country under the leadership of President Islam Karimov. She noted that the products of national crafts of Uzbekistan are distinguished by beauty and elegance.

Akie Abe visited the burial place of the Japanese internees and laid a wreath at the monument in memory of their compatriots. She expressed gratitude to the President of our country for the improvement of the place, perpetuation of the memory of her compatriots.

In the afternoon, Tatyana Karimova and Akie Abe visited the State Academic Bolshoi Theatre named after Alisher Navoi.

The Japanese internees, who happened to be sent to Uzbekistan during the Second World War also took part in the construction of the theater. Recently, the building was renovated and equipped with modern technical facilities.

During the official visit of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in October 2015 several documents on developing relations in various fields, including in the sphere of culture, were signed. In accordance with these agreements, the Japanese group "Drum Tao" is on a tour in our country.

In conclusion of the visit, Tatyana Karimova and Akie Abe attended a concert of the Drum Tao group.

Created in 1993, the "Drum Tao" has been widely promoting the ancient Japanese culture. Performances of this team, combining music, dance and martial arts traditions, produce a great impression on the audience. The team toured in more than twenty countries around the world. Earlier this year, Japanese artists performed in 38 cities in North America.

Akie Abe stressed that Japan’s cooperation with Uzbekistan along with other spheres consistently develops and in the cultural and humanitarian sphere. The State Academic Bolshoi Theatre of Uzbekistan made an unforgettable impression on the visitor with its grandeur and beauty. Concert of Japanese artists would be a worthy contribution to the further strengthening of friendly ties between our peoples.

"Female ninjas", "Melody fantasy", "Thousand Cherry trees", "Autumn Moon", "Phoenix", "Blue sky" acts of the show were warmly welcomed by the audience.

Tatyana Karimova, wife of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov, accompanied Akie Abe to the Tashkent International Airport.