For more than three decades, Japan has cultivated a distinctive partnership with the countries of Central Asia, one rooted not in geopolitics or grand strategy alone, but in human connection. Education has emerged as one of the strongest pillars of this relationship, as young people from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and beyond increasingly look to Japan for academic training, language study, and professional development. Tokyo’s support for scholarships, university exchanges, and Japanese language programs reflects a long-term vision: to invest in people-to-people ties that strengthen mutual understanding and prepare a new generation of leaders across the region.

The Times of Central Asia spoke with Central Asian students at the International University of Japan to gauge their experiences.

Ilyos from Uzbekistan: “As an international student, I found Japan to be a country of fascinating contrasts – deeply rooted in tradition, yet highly modern. I was struck by the coexistence of fast-paced, bustling cities and quiet, remote towns, each offering a very different atmosphere and way of life.

“I chose Japan because I’d previously studied in South Korea at the undergraduate level. That experience made me curious about Japan, as I expected certain similarities but also wanted to explore the differences. I thought that if Japan were similar to Korea, the adjustment would be smooth, and if it offered something new, it would be an even greater opportunity to broaden my perspective and prepare for my career.

“I’ve been truly impressed by how consistently Japanese people follow rules, respect social order, and demonstrate a high level of etiquette in everyday interactions. This has left a strong impression on me and has shaped the way I think about discipline, respect, and community values.”

Farrukh from Tajikistan: “I first visited Japan back in 2019. At that time, it was a business trip, and I spent a month here. I’d been thinking about studying in Japan for a long time, but I finally had the opportunity last year when the JICE JDS Scholarship in my home country was announced.

“In the time I’ve been here, I’ve never felt I was treated differently from other people, even locals. There have been minor instances when Japanese people acted very strictly, but I guess that’s how they usually are. In terms of cultural differences, one thing I noticed was how hard they work; there is a lack of work-life balance.”

Azmat from Uzbekistan: “Most of my colleagues from work got their Master’s degrees in Japan, and we have some agreements between the Japanese government and our organization about studying here. My ex-director, my current deputy director, and the head of division are graduates of Japanese universities. So, listening to their stories, I ended up studying in Japan.

“I find the people of Japan to be very polite and patient. The way they treat us as foreigners is really good. Of course, there are some difficulties – Japan is a country of rules – but they’re minor.”

As Central Asia deepens its educational links with Japan, the stories of students and professionals illustrate the quiet but profound impact of these exchanges. Beyond academic credentials, they carry home lessons in discipline, cultural respect, and global perspectives, qualities that ripple into their workplaces and societies. For Japan, these connections represent more than soft power; they are bridges of trust and collaboration that outlast political shifts. And for Central Asia, they offer a pathway to global engagement through shared knowledge, cultural appreciation, and enduring friendship.