On August 17, 2025 Uzbekistan advanced its cultural engagement with Japan on two fronts.
MoU Signed with Nara Partners
In Nara a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation, the City of Nara and the Nara National Museum. The agreement sets out plans to co-organise in 2027 a major exhibition on cultural connections along the Great Silk Road and to expand academic, museum and expert cooperation in heritage fields. The signing marks a new step in Uzbekistan’s cultural diplomacy, opening opportunities to deepen links with Japanese institutions and increase international visibility for the country’s collections.
Uzbekistan National Day at Expo 2025
The same day Osaka hosted the National Day of Uzbekistan at Expo 2025. The opening ceremony was attended by Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Hisayuki Fujii and Gayane Umerova, who leads Uzbekistan’s delegation and chairs the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation. Guests were treated to a concert programme featuring Fergana and Bukhara Lazgi dances and national music performed by vocal ensembles and instrumental groups.
Honoured Artist of Uzbekistan Nodira Pirmatova and the Bahor State Dance Ensemble named after Mukarram Turgunbayeva headlined the stage with a broad selection of Uzbek choreography. The celebrations culminated in a vibrant procession through the Expo site with dozens of artists, karnai and surnai players, doira drummers and dancers. The parade offered a striking showcase of tradition and contemporary staging and served as a symbol of cultural dialogue, underscoring Uzbekistan’s aim to participate fully in the global arts arena.
Visit to the Japan Pavilion
Also on August 17 the Uzbek delegation led by Gayane Umerova and Minister of Investments, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov visited the Japan Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. Presented as the «Human Living Laboratory,» the pavilion explores how Japan’s innovation, culture and traditions can contribute to a sustainable and harmonious society. During the visit both sides discussed prospects for widening cultural, academic and economic ties and identified opportunities for joint international projects.
