Hello everyone, this is Sugiura, the editor-in-chief of Ashu Travel, a travel agency specializing in Central Asia.
Kyrgyzstan is a mountainous country in Central Asia. It is a long way from Japan, but it is actually known as a “pro-Japanese country”. And for some reason, there are many Kyrgyz people who call Japanese people “brothers”. It’s strange how they are so close.
In this article, we will explain the surprising connections between Kyrgyzstan and Japan, while also touching on history and culture. We will also introduce some unique episodes, so we hope you will feel a little closer to Kyrgyzstan.
Are Kyrgyz and Japanese similar?
When you go to Kyrgyzstan, the first thing that will surprise you is how many people there are with faces that look so similar to Japanese people that you’ll think, “Hey, is this person Japanese? They have black hair, black eyes, and slender features – they really do look just like us! It is said that they also share similar personalities, and many people will feel a sense of kinship with them because they are diligent and serious, and although they are shy, they love to entertain.
Of course, there are differences. Kyrgyz people are originally nomadic, so they are not particularly attached to their homes or land. On the other hand, Japanese people are a settled people who own their own homes and live rooted in their communities. They are attached to their homes and land, such as “ancestral land” and “my home”.
If you have the chance to talk to a local, you could make your trip more interesting by talking about these differences.
Fish lovers go to Japan, meat lovers go to Kyrgyzstan?
Now, here is a Kyrgyz legend.
Once upon a time, there were two brothers. The older brother liked fish, so he went to Japan, where the sea is. The younger brother liked meat, so he stayed in Kyrgyzstan, where there are grasslands. Because of this, it is said in Kyrgyzstan that “Kyrgyz people and Japanese people are brothers”.
I don’t know the actual situation, but it seems that babies in Kyrgyzstan have a Mongolian spot at birth, just like Japanese babies. And there are some theories in “DNA” and “gene” research that suggest a common origin.
Why Kyrgyzstan is a pro-Japanese country
Kyrgyzstan is a very pro-Japanese country. When I am asked how many people I am with on a trip, and I reply “Yaponitsu (Japanese)”, I am often welcomed with a smile.
There are many reasons why there are so many Japanophiles, but the first reason is probably that they look similar and we feel a sense of kinship with them.
In addition, there is also a great sense of trust in Japanese products. In particular, taxi drivers can’t stop talking about Japanese cars (lol). They rave about how “Japanese cars never break down!”
Another reason is that the people of Kyrgyz have a positive view of the support provided by the Japanese government and JICA. Since Kyrgyz gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, the country and JICA have provided support for agriculture, education and infrastructure development. The people of Kyrgyz have a positive image of Japan, thinking that “Japan does good things”.
New Links between Kyrgyzstan and Japan
In recent years, anime and manga have captured the hearts of young people in Kyrgyzstan. There are many people who say, “I like anime so much that I decided to study Japanese.” The influence of your favorite character is amazing.
The number of people visiting Kyrgyzstan from Japan for sightseeing is also increasing. The nomadic culture and the experience of the great outdoors are attracting attention, and there are also accommodation facilities in the capital, Bishkek, and around Lake Issyk-Kul that can respond in Japanese. Being able to receive “omotenashi” hospitality in a mountainous country with spectacular scenery is an experience like no other.
Feel the connection between Kyrgyzstan and Japan through travel!
The relationship between Kyrgyzstan and Japan is rich in both history and culture. When you come into contact with the friendly people of Kyrgyzstan and the scenery that somehow feels nostalgic, you can understand a little bit of why they are called “brothers”. Why not take a short trip to see your “brothers” on your next holiday? In a world of grasslands and starry skies, you can look forward to making memories of a trip like no other.
Ashu Travel’s recommended tours
If you’re going to Kyrgyzstan, why not try ASHUTRAVEL’s “Song Köl Lake Tour”, which is packed with attractions?
This is a plan that allows you to fully enjoy the unique nomadic culture of Kyrgyzstan, including horse trekking at Son Kol Lake at an altitude of 3,000m, staying in a traditional yurt, and experiencing bread-making at a local farm. The spectacular views of the vast grasslands and blue lakes are sure to be the highlight of your trip.
A Japanese-speaking guide will accompany you, so even first-timers can enjoy themselves with peace of mind. Why not spend a special time in the “Land of the Brothers”?
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