The International Strategy Center of the Nara National Institutes for Cultural Heritage (Nara ISC), in cooperation with Nara Prefecture,

held an Uzbekistan cultural lecture on March 6 at the Nara Colleges Exchange Terrace.

 

This lecture was held for residents, students, and workers in Nara Prefecture,

with the aim of introducing the attractions and current situation of Uzbekistan,

as well as promoting international understanding and multicultural exchange.

 

A lecturer from Uzbekistan, currently serving as an international exchange coordinator for Nara Prefecture,

was invited to speak about the country’s history and food culture.

 

Regarding the connections between Japan and Uzbekistan, the lecture explained how Central Asian culture was transmitted to Japan

via the Silk Road, and how buildings constructed with the involvement of Japanese people who were sent to Tashkent,

the capital of Uzbekistan, after World War II, still remain today.

It was also noted that Japanese martial arts such as karate are widely practiced in Uzbekistan,

and that the Japanese TV drama “Oshin” was broadcast there and became popular.

 

In terms of food culture, participants were introduced to plov, a traditional rice dish.

After the lecture, recipes for Uzbek cuisine that can be easily prepared in Japan were distributed to participants,

providing an opportunity to deepen their understanding of and familiarity with Uzbekistan.