Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan

As you may know, the President's Decree No. 406, dated December 25, 2023, on "Measures to Further Improve the Level of Cultural Services to the Population," was approved, and Article 8 of the decree outlines the establishment of a system to grant the title of "Ambassador of Uzbek Culture" to foreign citizens, including compatriots, who actively promote and popularize our national culture abroad, with the aim of encouraging and supporting their activities.

In connection with this, to further expand cultural relations between Uzbekistan and Japan and to promote our rich cultural heritage, particularly our national music and songs, in the Land of the Rising Sun, a ceremony was held to appoint the renowned Japanese singer and instrumentalist, Komazaki Mashuni, as the "Ambassador of Uzbek Culture."

During the event, the Ambassador of Uzbekistan in Japan, Muhsinxo‘ja Abdurahmonov, presented Mashuni Komazaki with the "Ambassador of Uzbek Culture" pin and certificate in recognition of her significant contribution to the development of cultural and educational ties between Uzbekistan and Japan and her efforts to introduce Uzbekistan's rich historical and cultural heritage to the general public.

The Ambassador highlighted that this title, being awarded for the first time to a Japanese citizen, demonstrates the great attention paid by the Government of Uzbekistan to developing cultural relations with Japan. He emphasized that this esteemed title will provide Mashuni Komazaki with greater opportunities to promote Uzbekistan's culture and arts in Japan.

Representatives from the Ministry of Culture expressed their full support for Mashuni Komazaki’s activities as the "Ambassador of Uzbek Culture" and announced that, if necessary, national costumes, musical instruments, literature, handicrafts, and other materials to promote our culture will be provided to her.

Mashuni Komazaki expressed her immense happiness at receiving such an honorable title and thanked the Government of Uzbekistan for the trust placed in her. She noted that this title would not only provide her with great opportunities but also impose a significant responsibility.

She also stated that she would continue to deepen her knowledge of Uzbek national music and traditions, organize more cultural and educational events in Japan, and work towards a broader promotion of Uzbek culture.

"I have often received responses from Japanese audiences after performing Uzbek national songs and music at cultural events in Japan. They say, ‘Ms. Mashu, through your performance, we now have a vivid image of the mysterious country on the Great Silk Road. We would love to visit Uzbekistan with you.’ This shows me how deeply music and songs can impact the heart, and it inspires me to create more and increase the number of admirers of your country in Japan," she said.

During the event, discussions were held with the Embassy on further expanding the cultural presence of Uzbekistan in Japan, implementing joint projects, preparing media broadcasts about Uzbekistan, and publishing articles.

Note: Mashuni Komazaki was born on October 16, 1988, in Tokyo. In 2010, she graduated from the Tokyo University of the Arts, majoring in piano. Between 2015-2017, she worked as a volunteer music teacher in a secondary school in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, under the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) program. During her time in Uzbekistan, she studied Uzbek music and learned to play the Uzbek dutar. In 2018, she performed the song “Sunbula” on the dutar at the First International Maqam Art Conference in Uzbekistan and won third place. On December 23, 2022, she was awarded the Honorary Certificate of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan. In 2024, she received third place in both the "Sharq Taronalari" International Music Festival and the "Boysun Bahori" International Folklore Festival. On November 24, 2024, she organized a concert in Tokyo at the "Takinogawa" Event Hall, presenting Uzbek music and songs to the Japanese community.

Note for reference: Article 8 of the President's Decree No. 406, dated December 25, 2023, states:

“Create a system to grant the title of 'Ambassador of Uzbek Culture' to foreign citizens, including compatriots, who actively promote and popularize our national culture abroad.”

The decree further outlines that this title will be awarded based on a decision from the Ministry of Culture in agreement with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and recipients will receive a medal and certificate. Additionally, cultural materials such as national costumes, musical instruments, literature, and other promotional products will be provided to recipients by Uzbekistan’s diplomatic missions abroad. The Ministry of Culture will also recommend these ambassadors for state awards based on the results of their activities.

According to the above decree, for the first time, the title of "Ambassador of Uzbek Culture" has been granted to the famous Japanese singer and instrumentalist, Komazaki Mashuni.