Japanese artist Mashu Komazaki appointed as “Ambassador of Uzbek Culture”  

Famous Japanese singer and musician Mashu Komazaki has been honored with the title of “Ambassador of Uzbek Culture,” as reported by the Ministry of Culture of Uzbekistan.  

The event was organized to further strengthen cultural ties between Uzbekistan and Japan, with a focus on expanding the appreciation of Uzbek music and melodies in Japan. During the ceremony, the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Japan, Muhsinkhodja Abdurakhmonov, formally presented Mashu Komazaki with the “Ambassador of Uzbek Culture” badge and certificate.  

The Ambassador highlighted that this is the first time the status of “Ambassador of Uzbek Culture” has been awarded to a Japanese citizen, underscoring Uzbekistan's commitment to enhancing cultural relations with Japan. This prestigious recognition will create significant opportunities for Mashu Komazaki to promote the rich culture and art of Uzbekistan in Japan.  

“I have received many responses from Japanese audiences after performing Uzbek national songs and music at cultural events in Japan. They have expressed that my performances have painted a vivid picture of the mysterious country on the Great Silk Road, and many have said, 'Mashu, we want to visit Uzbekistan with you.' I am truly amazed by how deeply music and songs can touch the human heart. This inspires me to create even more and to continue growing the number of Uzbek culture enthusiasts in Japan,” said Mashu Komazaki.  

The event also included discussions on plans to promote Uzbekistan's cultural potential in Japan, collaborate on joint projects, create media programs about Uzbekistan, and publish articles showcasing the country's heritage.  

Mashu Komazaki, born on October 16, 1988, in Tokyo, graduated from the Piano Faculty at the Tokyo University of Music in 2010. Between 2015 and 2017, he served as a volunteer music teacher at a secondary school in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, as part of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) program. During his time in Uzbekistan, he studied national music and learned to play the Uzbek dutor.  

In 2018, Komazaki earned third place at the First International Conference on Maqom Art in Uzbekistan for his performance of the Uzbek melody “Sunbula” on the dutor. On December 23, 2022, he was awarded the Certificate of Honor by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan. He also claimed third place at the “Sharq Taronalari” and “Boysun Bahori” international music festivals in 2024.  

In November 2024, he organized a concert program on the music of the “Great Silk Road” at the “Takinogawa” event hall in Tokyo, where he introduced Uzbek music to the Japanese community.