Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A tournament showcasing advanced knowledge of the Japanese language took place on 1 March 2025, at the Ikuo Hirayama International Caravanserai of Culture in Tashkent. The event was organized by the Embassy of Japan in Uzbekistan.

One of the key challenges for participants was a traditional Japanese card game, where each card contained lines from poetry, proverbs, and other sayings. The host announced the initial letter, and players had to quickly determine which card it corresponded to. This game not only tested their knowledge of literary sources but also helped develop rapid comprehension skills, quick reflexes, and mental agility in Japanese.

In his opening speech, Japanese Ambassador to Uzbekistan Hattori Takashi emphasized that this tournament, now a tradition, provides young people passionate about the Japanese language with an opportunity to showcase their skills, stay motivated for further achievements, and immerse themselves in the rich culture of Japan.

The competition featured over 20 students representing the Tashkent State Institute of Oriental Studies, Tashkent State University of Law, Uzbek State World Languages University, University of World Economy and Diplomacy, Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages, Japan Digital University, the Academic Lyceum of the Tashkent State Institute of Oriental Studies, and the Uzbek-Japanese Center.

The tournament's winner was Anaida Malkhasova, a student from the Uzbek State World Languages University. In total, six prize-winning places were awarded, and the laureates received commemorative gifts from the Embassy of Japan.

Hakima Gafurova, head of the Department of Oriental Languages at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy, highlighted that the competition not only tested Japanese language proficiency, including hiragana and traditional poetry, but also encouraged teamwork. A particularly challenging aspect of the tournament involved letters from classical Japanese, which required extensive preparation from participants.

Overall, such tournaments provide an important opportunity for students studying Japanese language and culture to deepen their knowledge and familiarize themselves with Japanese traditions. According to the organizers, interest in Japan among Uzbek youth continues to grow, as the country is known for its blend of cutting-edge technology and deep respect for tradition.