TOKYO, July 1. /Dunyo IA/.   Japan-Uzbekistan Association convened its general assembly with the participation of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Japan, attended by representatives of Japanese ministries and agencies, public organizations, scientific and business circles, compatriots, as well as media personnel, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

During the meeting, it was particularly emphasized that the official visit of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Japan in December 2025 and the first “Central Asia + Japan” summit raised bilateral relations to a fundamentally new level and opened up broad prospects for cooperation.

In the current year, dozens of presentations, business forums, seminars, and cultural events dedicated to Uzbekistan have been organized in Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka, Narita and other cities. Furthermore, a study tour was conducted in June for representatives of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) and leading tour operators.

It was noted that in 2025, approximately 32,000 Japanese tourists visited Uzbekistan, which serves as a testament to the growing interest of Japanese society in the history, culture, and contemporary development of our country.

Such initiatives contribute significantly to reinforcing the international image of Uzbekistan as a safe, open and attractive tourist destination, while remaining a key priority for the further expansion of cooperation in the field of tourism and the enhancement of reciprocal tourist flows.

Chairman of the Association Fumihiko Kato, former Ambassador of Japan to Uzbekistan, provided information on the events held, including traditional New Year gatherings, cultural programs, and quizzes dedicated to Uzbekistan, as well as an exhibition and fair of folk crafts. He also highlighted the regular publication of the “Assalomu Alaykum” newsletter distributed among the association members, alongside active promotional efforts carried out through the official website and social media networks.

Yoshi Kawabata, Executive Director of the Association, elaborated on a project implemented since 2023 to introduce Japanese date production technology in the Samarkand region. The initiative is aimed at the deep processing of fruit and vegetable products, enhancing farmers' incomes, reducing food losses, and expanding opportunities for the production of export-oriented goods.

During the event, Hideo Kojima, Head of Department at the Maizuru City Government, reported on the outcomes of Mayor Atsushi Kamoda's visit to Uzbekistan in May of this year. It was noted that on May 28^th, agreements were signed on establishing sister-city relations between the city of Maizuru and the Rishtan district, as well as on comprehensive cooperation between Maizuru and the Fergana region.

Upon the conclusion of the assembly, a quiz titled “Do You Know Uzbekistan?” was organized for the participants, with the winners being presented with commemorative prizes.