A Heartwarming Moment of Cultural Exchange, Hoping to Become a Bridge Between Japan and His Homeland”
Mr. Delshod Esanov, a first-year student in the Department of Business Administration at Japan University of Economics (located in Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture), paid a courtesy visit to Mayor Daizo Kusuda of Dazaifu City.
Mr. Esanov, originally from Uzbekistan, spoke about:
- His journey to study in Japan
- His future aspirations
- Cultural differences between Japan and Uzbekistan
Mayor Kusuda listened attentively and engaged warmly in the conversation.
“My father was very knowledgeable about history and often spoke about Japanese samurai and culture. Naturally, I became interested in Japan. He told me, ‘Go to Japan and become a bridge between Japan and Uzbekistan.’”
Carrying that dream in his heart, Mr. Delshod Esanov came to Japan with his brother. He is currently studying business administration at Japan University of Economics, and he shared his future aspirations: “In Uzbekistan, many Japanese cars are on the roads. After graduation, I want to start a trading company that deals in Japanese cars. To make that happen, I’m now learning about business and trade.”
Mayor Daizo Kusuda, who had just visited Uzbekistan in June, listened attentively to Mr. Esanov’s story, reflecting on his own impressions from the trip: “In Uzbekistan, I had heard that many people have facial features similar to Japanese. Meeting Mr. Esanov today, I truly felt that was accurate.”
“The exchanges that took place over thousands of years along the Silk Road are still alive here. Especially the connection with Dazaifu, once a gateway to the continent, continues to resonate deeply in the present day.” — Mayor Daizo Kusuda, Dazaifu City
“Now that he’s studying in Dazaifu by fate, I hope to work together with him to promote exchange between our two countries.”
The meeting was also attended by Mr. Masaru Sugioka, Director of the International Exchange Center, and Professor Katsuyuki Takekawa, Director of the Regional Collaboration Center at Japan University of Economics.
“I hope students will feel that coming to Japan University of Economics and graduating from here was the right choice. They may face cultural differences, but overcoming those challenges will become a valuable asset for their future.” — Masaru Sugioka, Director of the International Exchange Center
“As international students learn, engage with the community, and build relationships, they nurture their dreams. We want to support them closely throughout their journey.”