The traditional Japanese festival 'Tanabata' and the 'Manga' drawing contest took place at the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan in the Ikuo Hirayama Palace of International Cultural Caravan. The Tanabata Festival is also known as the 'Star Festival' and is held annually in Japan on July 7th.
Historically, the traditions of celebrating the festival, which originated in the Heian period, are connected to a Japanese art festival borrowed from China. Initially, this holiday was celebrated exclusively in the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Later, at the beginning of the Edo period, the custom spread more widely and merged with various traditions of the Obon festival, surviving to this day in its modern form.
Manga art is also gaining popularity in the country. Manga is an integral part of Japanese culture and has a deep history. However, in recent years, Japanese comic art has become an important part of media culture in many countries around the world, similar to cinema and literature. Manga covers various genres and is accessible to people of all ages.
As part of the current 'Manga' contest, participants from the cities of Tashkent, Navoi, and Samarkand in Uzbekistan presented their works. Ten participants of different ages, from 11 to 29 years old, took part in the contest. This contest provides a wonderful opportunity for manga enthusiasts to enjoy interesting stories and beautiful graphics.
The winners of the 'Manga' contest were Roziya Abdumavlyanova in the 10–13 age group, Shahina Usmonova in the 14–17 age group, and Saidazim Usmonov in the 18+ category. The winners were awarded diplomas and gifts from the Ikuo Hirayama Palace of International Cultural Caravan, the Embassy of Japan in Uzbekistan, and also from 'Beta' of the Ministry of Emergency Situations. All participants were given certificates.
The exhibition will run until June 19, 2026.
The 'Bukhorcha' ensemble from the State Philharmonic of Uzbekistan for Bukhara Region successfully presented national art and culture at prestigious international folk festivals and cultural events in the Republics of Slovenia and Croatia.
The first stop of the tour was the city of Metlika in Slovenia. A concert was organized there for local residents, featuring national songs and dances characteristic of the Tashkent, Fergana, Khorezm, and Bukhara regions, as well as demonstrations of examples of folk oral creativity.
Subsequently, the collective participated in the 38th CIOFF FolkArt International Festival in the city of Maribor. During the festival, street performances were held in the city center and tourist areas. Uzbek artists, together with creative groups from Bolivia, presented national musical and dance programs that were warmly received by guests and local residents. Foreign spectators showed particular interest in Uzbek national dances, traditional costumes, and folk musical instruments.
During the festival, a traditional procession of artists from participating countries took place along the Drava River flowing through Maribor. Representatives from Bolivia, North Macedonia, Poland, Puerto Rico, Uzbekistan, Serbia, and Slovenia participated, showcasing the national culture of their countries.
There was also an official meeting with the Mayor of Maribor, Sasha Arsenovich. The delegation, headed by Bahrom Usmanov, Head of the Department for Concert and Performance Activity Development of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and Rauf Avezov, Director of the State Philharmonic of Uzbekistan for Bukhara Region, discussed issues of expanding cultural and humanitarian cooperation and developing ties within the framework of international festivals.
A gala concert was held in the city of Murska Sobota, featuring creative groups from Uzbekistan and Bolivia. Artists from both countries demonstrated examples of national music and dance, leaving unforgettable impressions on the audience.
The closing gala concert of the 38th CIOFF FolkArt International Festival took place in Leon Stuckel Square in Maribor. Over 200 artists from different countries participated in this concert, and representatives of Uzbekistan performed on behalf of the continent of Asia, winning recognition and applause from the audience with their national songs and dances.
The tour continued in Croatia. The 'Bukhorcha' ensemble actively participated in events at the XXVII International Folk Festival in the city of Karlovac. According to the festival program, the ensemble held street performances in the central streets and squares of the city, demonstrating the rich traditions and unique appeal of Uzbek national art through the performance of Uzbek folk songs and dances, as well as through the display of exquisite national costumes and folk instruments.
Folk and artistic groups from Madagascar, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and other countries also participated in this international festival, presenting the rich cultural heritage and national customs of their peoples. The five-day prestigious festival became an important platform for strengthening intercultural dialogue, promoting the intangible cultural heritage of peoples, and developing creative partnerships. The successful participation of Uzbek artists in these events made a significant contribution to enhancing the international prestige of national culture and the wide promotion of Uzbek art on the world stage.
