Aiya arrived in Kyrgyzstan in 2025. During her stay, she not only mastered the local language but also learned to play the komuz, and her videos in traditional clothing have become real hits, astonishing internet users.
“I saw your story on national television. You are not just learning from us, but you are also actively studying and promoting our culture in Japan. This has been warmly received not only by me but by the entire people of Kyrgyzstan. Your efforts serve as a wonderful example of strengthening friendly ties between our countries,” noted Alagozov.
Aiya also shared that she is studying at the Kyrgyz National University and working at the Kyrgyz-Japanese Center, where she began learning to play the komuz. She confessed that her favorite Kyrgyz word is “kooz,” which means “beautiful.” The girl has had the chance to visit Issyk-Kul and Son-Kul and has especially fallen in love with the village of Arashan for its picturesque landscapes.
At the end of the meeting, Askhat Alagozov presented Aiya with a book by Chinghiz Aitmatov, “The White Steamship.” She promised to continue introducing her compatriots to Kyrgyzstan.
It should be noted that Japanese students and volunteers often become favorites among Kyrgyz people due to their respect for local traditions, knowledge of the language, and sincerity, which elicits a positive response from the local residents.
