My favorite phrase: Harmony of mind is the key to success and happiness.

Q: Why did you choose this phrase?

I first heard the word "harmony" when I was seven years old. At the time, I did not understand what the philosophical term "harmony" meant. Harmony of mind means self-confidence. It was explained to me that it was about maintaining emotional balance and self-esteem. My grandmother was not educated, but I remember her explaining it to me that way. In my opinion, "harmony of mind" means having the ability to achieve what you want and having a sense of satisfaction with yourself.

Q: What type of work are you in charge of?

Currently, as the Vice-head of the Nagoya University Uzbekistan Office, I am working to strengthen inter-university exchange between the two countries so that we can become a "bridge" between Nagoya University and Uzbekistan. I am fortunate to have been given a challenging but rewarding assignment that requires a lot of responsibility. We are negotiating with various people and organizations in Japan and Uzbekistan, considering the interests and capabilities of both parties.

In particular, we are strengthening exchanges between Nagoya University and our partner universities in Uzbekistan in the fields of science and technology, economics, law, and education, and promoting the collaboration and exchange of researchers and students.

Q: How did you become involved in this work and interested in Japan?

I was a career diplomat with more than 10 years of experience. When I was working at the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Japan, I had the opportunity to be directly involved in establishing the Nagoya University Uzbekistan Office. At that time, I never imagined that I would one day be working at the Nagoya University Uzbekistan Office.

At age 18 years, I had the opportunity to live in a dormitory for a year in the same room with an international student from Japan. That was the beginning of my interest in Japan, and I began to learn Japanese and deepen my understanding of Japanese history and culture. My life is closely related to a country with beautiful traditions. In addition, the main reason I moved from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Nagoya University Uzbekistan Office was because of my strong desire to conduct academic research.

Q: When do you consider your work interesting or rewarding?

I feel that way every time when I successfully complete an event or any task.. Events may include the Rector’s Forum, Science Symposium, Japan Education Fair, the visit of Nobel Laureate Distinguished Professor Ryoji Noyori to Uzbekistan, and Internship of students, and so on. In addition, seeing people off and welcoming them at the airport as well as daily in-depth meetings are also very rewarding.

The most rewarding moment of my job is when a student from Uzbekistan gets the opportunity to study at Nagoya University through the office. Many talented young people come to our office for advice, but unfortunately, not all are accepted. However, if our office can make a better change in the lives of even one young person, I will be very happy.

Q: At the end of last year, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, visited our university. You dealt with the visit, but what was the most memorable event for you?

For me, the entire visit was a unique and unforgettable experience. The head of state's visit was a sudden decision, but I think Nagoya University was able to respond to various issues at the highest level. The fact that the President's visit to Japan began in Nagoya, and especially at Nagoya University, was very significant and left a deep impression on me.

Q: The novel coronavirus has been confirmed not only in Japan but also in Uzbekistan, and it must have impacted your own work and life in many ways. How do you spend your time and how do you relieve stress?

In Uzbekistan, many fields were severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, but the education field was particularly affected, and all universities were temporarily closed. The Nagoya University Uzbekistan Office has also introduced remote work, but I hope to return to normal work as soon as possible. The staff at the office are like family to me, and I want to see them all as soon as possible.

Actually, I have not felt much stress. Of course, there are times when I experience insomnia, headaches, fatigue, and other physical symptoms, but as soon as I get home in the evening and see the faces of my family members, all my worries disappear.

Q: Please tell us about an experience that you can only talk about now.

When I came to Japan to study, I did not know anything about the seal culture. I wondered why Japanese people needed a seal for everything. I wondered what I would do if I forgot my personal seal. One day, I bought what I thought was the most beautiful seal at a hundred-yen store, thinking I would be able to use it in the future. However, I could not read the last name.

Q: What are your future goals and ambitions?

I would like to conduct research and achieve accomplishments like my Japanese colleagues. I have not yet been able to conduct proper research, but I would like to be selected for a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research at least once.