From November 20 to 29, 2026, JICA Hokkaido (Obihiro) will hold "Machinaka JICA: A Glimpse of the Blue City — Uzbekistan," a panel exhibition at the Obihiro Centennial City Museum. Through photos and objects, the exhibition introduces this Central Asian country, which flourished as a key stop on the Silk Road and retains a rich history and culture.
The exhibition features photos taken in Uzbekistan by a former JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteer, together with traditional fabrics and household items that people use in their daily lives. Visitors can encounter Uzbekistan as it really is, beyond what guidebooks show: domed cityscapes, lively bazaars (markets) and the warm smiles of local people.
On Saturday, November 21, a talk will be held to mark the exhibition. The speaker served as a volunteer physical therapist from 2015 to 2017 at a regional hospital in Fergana, introducing the concept of rehabilitation to local health workers and providing physical therapy to patients. Visitors can hear first-hand about the volunteer's activities, including failures and hardships, as well as Uzbekistan's healthcare situation and the appeal of its culture and way of life. Since returning to Japan, the former volunteer has held photo exhibitions and given talks in Hokkaido, and in spring 2025 traveled back to Uzbekistan to support local healthcare.
Key points
- Photos taken by a former volunteer, displayed together with traditional fabrics and everyday items used in Uzbekistan
- On November 21, a former volunteer physical therapist talks about healthcare and daily life in Uzbekistan
- Open to all ages and free of charge, offering an easy way to experience Central Asian culture in central Obihiro
Why We Recommend This Event
Uzbekistan is far from Japan, and there are few chances to learn about everyday life there. Seeing the country through the photos of a former volunteer who worked there and the objects people actually use should make this distant land feel much closer.
The talk will cover not only successes but also failures and hardships. It is a valuable opportunity to learn what international cooperation really looks like on the ground and to think about what you yourself can do.
Staff comments
Minato AobaResearch
“I was curious that the exhibition shows not only photos but also the fabrics and household items people use every day. Everyday tools reflect a place's climate and customs, so visitors may meet a side of Uzbekistan no guidebook shows.”
Sophie HiroseWriting and translation
“I would love to see those everyday tools Aoba mentioned too. What drew me even more is that the talk will include failures and hardships. I feel the experiences that did not go well are the ones that convey what the field is really like.”
Mako JozenjiProofreading and verification
“Your words reminded me that there are many doorways to getting to know a faraway country. Continuing to link Hokkaido and Uzbekistan after returning home, and going back to support local healthcare again, shows how long-lasting cooperation can be.”
Interested in this event?
Editor-in-Chief’s comment
Ren DateEditor-in-Chief
“Just looking at photos of the beautiful cityscapes of the "Blue City" seems enough to make you feel like you're traveling. Hearing directly from someone who worked in healthcare there is also a rare opportunity. If you live in Obihiro or the Tokachi area, please drop by.”