Shimohira Itsuo is a Professor, Senior Advisor for the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). He came to Kyrgyzstan in 2017 and believes that this is the most beautiful country in the world after Chile.

— What were your first impressions after arrival in Kyrgyzstan?

— I am from Tokyo. I had served at the Ministry of Agriculture of Japan for 35 years. I worked in many countries — in Panama, Chile, Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Mongolia.

In Chile, I was sure that this was the most beautiful country, because three W are important for me — weather, wine, women. Having arrived in Kyrgyzstan, I realized that these three W were also here. Kyrgyzstan is in the first place after Chile for me now.

— What places, besides Bishkek, have you already visited in Kyrgyzstan?

— Within the framework of the project, I have traveled almost the whole country. I was in Issyk-Kul, in Naryn and Talas. My hobby is horse riding. I like to ride horses, and in winter — to ski.

— What region do you like the most?

— It is Issyk-Kul region, of course! Because there is everything that I love — horses, nature, the lake.

— What national dishes do you like, and what are you afraid to try?

— I am a veterinarian by profession, therefore, in principle, I am not afraid to try anything. I like dymlyama most of all. I did not eat sheep’s brains and eyes, but I tried byzhy, kazy and karta. I liked it. In Vietnam, we were served a pudding made of sheep’s blood, which I could not eat. The only meat I do not eat is dog meat. A dog is a man’s friend for me. But recently I ate yak meat.

— Has your family moved to Kyrgyzstan with you?

— No, unfortunately, my wife is in Tokyo to look after her mother. Before that, she accompanied me wherever I was. Last summer she came here and we traveled around Issyk-Kul region. She liked everything, too.

— Do you have a favorite place in Bishkek?

— In Bishkek, I like to walk along Erkindik Boulevard, I love parks. I always ride a bicycle. I like that your city is green, there are no mosquitoes. I like the climate.

I also like that all the shops and cafes in Bishkek are located at a walking distance.

— What has disappointed you in the local population?

— The only thing that disappointed me is your officials from the Kyrgyz Agrarian University and the Ministry of Agriculture.

As a result, we lose a lot of time and money. The project, which was aimed at creating a model cowshed, is not successful yet, because your party takes on empty commitments. This is the biggest disappointment.

— And what good did you notice in Kyrgyzstanis?

— In general, I have a good relationship with your people. The Kyrgyzstanis are similar to Japanese not only by their appearance, but also by their origins. Most likely, we have a common genetics. Kyrgyz language is grammatically similar to Japanese. Many people say about it. Everyone takes me in a kind and friendly way, almost like a native. It is comfortable and convenient for me to work and live here.

— What would you change in Bishkek?

— It is road infrastructure. There are huge traffic jams in Bishkek.

— What reminds you of your hometown?

— I think the similarity of Bishkek and Tokyo is that you have all the necessary conditions for life. That is, supermarkets work 24 hours a day, taxis — around the clock. It was uncomfortable in this regard in other countries. It is also safe in Bishkek and Tokyo. You must be satisfied with your city. I do not know how it was before, but everything is fine here now.