TOKYO, August 19. /Dunyo IA/. Embassy of Uzbekistan hosted a meeting with Japanese art and culture figures led by the renowned Japanese singer and composer Tomoko Kato, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the organization of the Japanese delegation's visit to Uzbekistan, scheduled for October 6–13^th of this year, as well as prospects for the further development of cooperation in the fields of culture and musical arts.

Tomoko Kato fondly recalled her trip to the Aral Sea region in May 2003, which took place within the framework of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). During that visit, she also travelled to Nukus, Samarkand and Tashkent.

Japanese artist noted that during that journey, she participated in a joint concert on the stage of the Alisher Navoi State Academic Bolshoi Theatre in Tashkent. She particularly emphasized the high professionalism of the Uzbek conductors and orchestra. According to the singer, opportunity to revisit Uzbekistan after nearly 23 years and to share the stage once again with Uzbek musicians brings her immense joy.

A special concert program, to be held at the Alisher Navoi State Academic Bolshoi Theatre, is organized by the Japan–Uzbekistan ‘Silk Road’ Foundation in cooperation with the Art and Culture Development Foundation of Uzbekistan. Both Uzbek and Japanese performers will take part in the concert.

Program of the evening will feature the most famous works of Tomoko Kato, including the songs “A Million Scarlet Roses”, “Let's Talk About the Past Days” and others. The National Symphony Orchestra of Uzbekistan, “Tumor” Dance Ensemble and the renowned opera singer Jenisbek Piyazov will also perform on stage.

Following the meeting, Tomoko Kato emphasized that music and song are a universal language that unites peoples.

“Through song, people from different countries understand each other better and can share their feelings. I am confident that the upcoming concert in Uzbekistan will become a bright symbol of friendship and cooperation”, she said.