TOMOKO YOSHIZUMI: "SHARK TARONALARI" PROMOTES FRIENDSHIP AND UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE NATIONS OF THE WORLD"

Very soon on Registan Square in Samarkand will sound music and songs of the nations of the world.

This year, the International Music Festival "Sharq taronalari" organized by the initiative of President Islam Karimov, will be held for the tenth time. The event will bring together representatives from more than fifty countries.

On the eve of this important event, the correspondent of IA "Jahon" in Tokyo, talked with representatives of Japan, who will take part in the anniversary festival.

Tomoko Yoshizumi, artistic director of the Music Association Nagauta Yoshizumi-kai:

— Our group consists of 9 musicians who play ancient instruments "Shamis". We are honored to perform the national Japanese music at such a prestigious festival, held in the historic city of Samarkand - Registan Square and to demonstrate our art to the Uzbek people.

Uzbekistan has a rich history and multinational culture. The country has served as a center of science and education for centuries. Ancient Samarkand is also widely known in Japan as the historical center of the Silk Road with unique oriental flavor.

"Shark taronalari" contributes to the further strengthening of friendship and mutual understanding between the nations of the world, and serves as a promotion of the historical heritage of Uzbekistan abroad.

Genichi Tsuge, honorary professor at Tokyo University of the Arts:

— In the years of independence Uzbekistan has carried out a lot of work for deeper study and further development of the musical art. An impressive base for the training of young talents has been formed, schools of music and art have been established, the Palace of Culture, the respective colleges and high schools have been reconstructed in the country.

Since 1997 the Festival "Sharq taronalari", held by the initiative of President Islam Karimov and under the auspices of UNESCO, has been making an invaluable contribution to the development of world music and serving the union of different nations and peoples, peace and friendship, as well as increasing the international prestige of Uzbekistan.

I had the opportunity to participate in the Samarkand festival 10 years ago. This year I was lucky to be among the participants of this prestigious cultural event. I am confident that the anniversary festival will be peculiar and full of bright events.

On the eve of 24th anniversary of Independence of Uzbekistan, I want to congratulate the Uzbek people with great holiday and wish peace, welfare and prosperity.

IA "Jahon"