Tashkent has hosted the official ceremony of awarding the Imperial “Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays” of Japan.
Recall that on November 3, the Japanese government has published a list of foreign persons who were awarded the Imperial Order of the autumn of 2016. Among them our countryman Jalil Sultanov – Director of the Museum of Japanese internees. He has been awarded for his achievements in preserving the history of the Japanese people.
In May 1998, J.Sultanov opened Museum of the Japanese internment by the means of his personal funds. Since then, as its director, he has been collecting and exhibiting materials and items related to the activities of the Japanese people which were brought to Uzbekistan after the Second World War. He is widely disseminating information about their activities, not only in our country but also abroad.
It was emphasized that J.Sultanov contributes to the deepening of mutual understanding between Japan and Uzbekistan through conservation of the history of the Japanese who live on the territory of our republic in the 1940s. His activity is aimed at developing closer ties which have been established and further continuing to the present time between the two countries and peoples.
At the end of the event the correspondent of Jahon has talked to the participants and organizers.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Uzbekistan Nobuaki Ito:
– The Government and people of Japan appreciate Jalil Sultanov, for his feat and overwork in the preservation of the history of our nation. The exhibits of the Museum of the Japanese internees allow us to feel the heart and soul of diligence of the Japanese soldiers who helped in the construction of many national objects in Uzbekistan.
I want to thank J.Sultanov who has been making efforts to strengthen the friendly relations between our peoples for a quite long time.
Jalil Sultanov, director of the Museum of Japanese internees:
– I am very grateful to the Government of Japan for the honor – the award of the Imperial “Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays”. It inspires me to intensify my work.
Creation of the Museum of Japanese internees in Uzbekistan became possible due to our independence. And the fact that it has been operating until this day – it’s not only my work, but work and efforts of my friends and relatives who always support me in this matter.
It is known that about 25 thousand Japanese military were on the territory of our country after World War II. They participated in the construction of many factories and residential buildings which still exist as a symbol of remembrance of them. My compatriots who worked side by side with the Japanese, remember them with warm memories.
Last year I was lucky enough to visit Japan at the invitation of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe where I was welcomed as a national hero. For me, it was a great honor. I am an ordinary citizen of Uzbekistan. During this trip I had a lot of interesting and unforgettable meetings.
G.Nurdjanova,
Correspond of Information Agency “Jahon”
(Photo by the author)
