On February 8th (Wednesday), His Excellency Mr. Mukhsinkhuja Abdurakhmonov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Japan, and his delegation visited Soka University to lay flowers at the base of Uzbek poet Alisher Navoiy statue in commemoration of the 582nd anniversary of his birth (date of birth: February 9, 1441). The statue is placed in the front courtyard of Soka University’s Ikeda Auditorium.

Alisher Navoiy (1441–1501) is considered the founder of Uzbek literature and was not only a poet, mystic, linguist, and painter, but he was also a statesman who mediated territorial conflicts and devoted himself to reducing taxes for citizens. He also carried out goodwill projects and protected the arts using his own finances. To this day, he is respected by many citizens in Central Asia.

Inscribed on the base of the Navoiy statue in front of Ikeda Auditorium:
All people of the world
Do not harbor hatred for one another
Be good friends with one another
Friendship is the way of human beings

At the floral tribute ceremony, President Masashi Suzuki, President of Soka University, gave the following address: "We would like to learn from the beliefs, actions, and words of wisdom of Alisher Navoiy, who devoted his life to the spiritual struggle for the well-being of the people, and to expand our cultural dialogue in many layers and strengthen our friendship with your country." An international student representative also recited a poem. Ambassador Abdurakhmonov said, "I would like to continue the great poet's belief in humanism and spread the spirit of harmony in our time.”

Afterward, a dialogue was held between Ambassador Abdulrakhmonov, his delegation, President Masashi Suzuki, and others in Global Square.