TOKYO, April 11 /Dunyo IA/. A festive event dedicated to Navruz was held at the "Sekiyu Kaikan" hall in Tokyo under the theme "Let the Traditions Live Forever, Navruz!" reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The event was organized by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in cooperation with the "Maison&Nadi" company and the Japanese-Uzbek community.

Around 100 compatriots from the Kanto region and approximately 50 representatives of the Japanese public attended the celebration, including officials from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, members of public organizations, the academic and business communities, as well as media representatives.

Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Japan, Muhsinkhuja Abdurakhmonov, congratulated everyone present on the occasion of Navruz. In his welcoming speech, he noted that Navruz, with a history spanning more than 3,000 years, is a celebration of humanity, tolerance, and prosperity. He emphasized that, thanks to the initiatives of the President of Uzbekistan, this holiday is widely celebrated around the world, including in Japan. This helps strengthen friendships and cultural ties between the peoples and contributes to the popularization of Uzbek traditions and tourism development.

It was also emphasized that the democratic reforms and social development in Uzbekistan align harmoniously with the humane and inclusive nature of Navruz. During the event, Nodira Aminova, the head of the Japan-Uzbek Cultural Center, presented a unique embroidery depicting the harmony between sakura and cotton as a symbol of the strong bonds of friendship between the two nations.

The cultural segment of the event was a true gift to the guests. The Ambassador of Uzbek Culture in Japan, renowned Japanese singer Mashu Komazaki, performed Uzbek national songs on the dutar and changovuze. The "O’zbegim" ensemble, based in Japan, and its young talents from the "Cheksiz ijod yo’li" school, showcased the beauty of Uzbek dance, leaving a strong impression on the attendees.

At the conclusion of the event, guests were invited to a festive table. Traditional Navruz dishes, including sumalak, kuk-samsa, kuk-chuchvara, and national sweets, were the highlights of the feast, accompanied by festive plov.

The event also featured an exhibition of Uzbek folk and applied arts, including embroidery, ceramics, copperware, wood carving, carpet weaving, national fabrics, as well as informational materials about the history and tourism of Uzbekistan.