Japanese companies consider opening offices and launching IT projects in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan’s Minister of Digital Technologies Sherzod Shermatov and CEO of IT Park Uzbekistan Abdulahad Kuchkarov took part in a roundtable discussion with representatives of Japanese companies held in Tokyo. During the meeting, the parties agreed to continue practical discussions on opening offices in Uzbekistan, launching outsourcing and creative projects, and developing long-term cooperation between the Uzbek and Japanese IT ecosystems.

The event brought together around 30 representatives of Japanese companies, including Graphinica, Stone System, Looop, Genz, Persol Excel HR Partners, TV Tokyo Corporation, Teikyo University, StudioZ, Indo-Sakura Software Japan, Fudo, Daisei Veho Works, HeadLock, Soft Hyperion, and Orion Computer.

During the event, the IT Park Uzbekistan team presented Uzbekistan as a promising growth destination for Japanese businesses. The presentation covered tax and customs incentives for IT companies, opportunities to attract technical talent, workforce training programs, and the country’s potential in export-oriented outsourcing.

During the discussions, Minister of Digital Technologies Sherzod Shermatov encouraged Japanese companies to establish operations in Uzbekistan, actively leverage local talent, and emphasized that Uzbekistan is an open, stable, and attractive digital market for foreign investors.

In addition, Akihiro Sakurai, Advisor to the Minister of Digital Technologies, noted that cooperation between Japan and Uzbekistan is steadily strengthening, including through the expansion of partnerships with a number of Japanese organizations such as JETRO.

The meeting also provided a detailed overview of all incentives available to IT Park members, including tax and customs benefits, support mechanisms for export-oriented companies, and opportunities available to startups.

During the discussions, Japanese companies expressed interest in opening offices and legal entities in Uzbekistan in 2025–2026, launching IT outsourcing operations, establishing animation and game development studios, and developing localization and technical support services. Several companies also stated their readiness to consider Uzbekistan as a platform for entering CIS markets.

As part of the event, a memorandum of understanding was signed with Graphinica to implement an initiative aimed at developing digital human resources in Uzbekistan.

During the roundtable, Mr. Kotaro Okada was appointed as IT Park Uzbekistan’s Ambassador in Japan. He will contribute to expanding international cooperation by leveraging his professional expertise and network.

During the panel discussion, Orion Computer noted that it had registered a company in Uzbekistan in a short period of time and is successfully operating as an IT Park member.

In addition, representatives of Stone System, Sunflower, Daisei, and several other companies announced plans to open offices in Uzbekistan, expand their operations, and carry out export activities from the country. They particularly emphasized the favorable business environment in Uzbekistan—including the simplified company registration process and the advantages provided by IT Park membership—as key factors for further development.

Following the meeting, a networking session was organized, allowing participants to communicate informally, exchange views, ask additional questions, and receive direct answers from experts.

GENZ: Launch of QA Outsourcing and Potential Office Opening

As part of the visit, CEO of IT Park Uzbekistan Abdulahad Kuchkarov met with representatives of the Japanese company GENZ, led by CEO Ikuru Itagaki. The parties discussed opportunities to launch QA outsourcing services in Uzbekistan and the potential establishment of a branch or subsidiary of GENZ with the support of IT Park Uzbekistan.

GENZ is a Japanese IT company founded in 2016 and headquartered in Tokyo. The company specializes in software and systems testing, quality assurance (QA), security and performance testing, and QA consulting. GENZ’s annual revenue is approximately USD 14 million, and the company employs around 250 people.

Stone System: Opening a Development Office in Tashkent

Abdulahad Kuchkarov also met with representatives of the Japanese IT company Stone System, led by company President Motoyasu Matsumaru. During the talks, the parties agreed to further explore the opening of a Stone System development office in Tashkent, launching outsourcing projects, and engaging Uzbek IT specialists.

Stone System Co., Ltd. is a Japanese IT company founded in 1990 and based in Tokyo. The company specializes in software development, fintech solutions, web and mobile development, system integration, and IT consulting, and also delivers projects in artificial intelligence and Web3.

Graphinica: Talent Development and the Animation Industry

As part of the visit, a meeting was also held between IT Park Uzbekistan CEO Abdulahad Kuchkarov and Nao Hirasawa, President of the Japanese animation company Graphinica. The parties discussed in detail the practical areas of cooperation outlined in the signed memorandum.

In particular, an agreement was reached to support the establishment of a joint development and training center in Uzbekistan that will combine educational programs with hands-on training for IT specialists in areas such as the creative industries, animation, artificial intelligence, web design, related fields, and Japanese language studies. Joint development and implementation of educational curricula with the involvement of Graphinica experts is planned.

Special attention was given to launching an internship program for Uzbek specialists at Graphinica studios in Japan (Tokyo, Sapporo, Kyoto, and Fukuoka). The number of interns and program timelines will be determined by mutual agreement. The initiative aims to build a community of creators in Uzbekistan capable of meeting the requirements of the Japanese production environment and to support the development of the animation industry in both countries.

IT Park Uzbekistan will provide Graphinica with comprehensive support in company registration and business launch in Uzbekistan, navigation of the legal and regulatory environment, and establishing partnerships with educational institutions and industry associations. Support is also planned for marketing the training center, recruiting and selecting program participants, organizing internships for top graduates, and developing Graphinica’s export-oriented operating model within IT Park membership.

Graphinica will participate in developing curricula, teaching materials, and evaluation systems, as well as providing experts and mentors for both in-person and online training. In addition, the company will oversee the design and implementation of in-person training programs in Japan, including safety and curriculum content.

The implementation of these initiatives will be an important step in developing Uzbekistan’s creative and animation ecosystem and in deepening technological and educational cooperation between Uzbekistan and Japan.

The roundtable discussion and subsequent meetings open new opportunities for IT Park Uzbekistan to attract Japanese investment, expand the export potential of the IT sector, create jobs, and strengthen Uzbekistan’s position as a reliable technology partner for Japanese companies.