In an interview with a Turmush correspondent, she shared that she went to Japan with her family as part of a government program to obtain a master's degree, which is designed to last two years.
Jamila was born in 1991 in the Alai district of the Osh region. In the conversation, she briefly described her path and career.
“I started my studies at a school in the village of Taldyk, then continued my education in Bishkek. After the 9th grade, I graduated from the computer department of the Kyrgyz-Turkish Vocational Lyceum for Girls. I then enrolled in the Kyrgyz State University of Geology, Mining, and Natural Resources, where I received a degree as a geological engineer. Alongside my studies, I enrolled in a four-year course at the Kyrgyz-Japanese Center for Human Resource Development, where I studied the Japanese language up to level 3,” she said.
Jamila graduated from university in 2014 and began her career in November of the same year, working as a geologist at the Ministry of Natural Resources. She then continued her work at the Kyrgyzaltyn Joint Stock Company. Later, she got married and began working at the ayil okmotu, where she held the positions of deputy head and responsible secretary,” she added.
J. Toktorbai kyzy noted that she enjoys living in the countryside with her husband, and her family has not hindered her career.
“We met when I was a student and doing an internship in geology. He was already working at that time. We got married in 2015, lived in Bishkek for three years, and then moved to Mikhailovka in 2018. Since my husband is the only son in the family, I agreed to move to the village because I am close to nature. I quickly adapted to rural life and started working at the ayil okmotu. We have two sons and one daughter,” she shared.
According to Jamila, her efforts began to yield results after 10 years. She is currently gaining education and experience in Japan, immersing herself in the culture of a new country.
“In 2025, I learned about the JDS program and decided to apply. To take the exams, knowledge of the English language was necessary. After going through several stages, I managed to enroll in the program with a scholarship. In August, I arrived in Tsukuba for the first time, and three months later, my husband brought the children. They are now studying at school, and my husband is working here,” she said.
The culture of Japan has amazed Jamila's family. The children wash dishes after meals at school and sort milk cartons for recycling, which she sees as fostering a work ethic. She also noted that the Japanese are very hardworking and patient, waiting in lines. Jamila is proud of her participation in the program but also feels a responsibility to return and share her experience with colleagues back home.
This master's program focuses on science, technology, and environmental protection. Jamila receives a scholarship of $1,000 per month, and her children also receive benefits from the government, allowing the family to live comfortably,” she added.
“We love riding our bikes around the city and spending weekends on family walks, participating in cultural events. Recently, I visited Taiwan,” she said.
“We have already gotten used to Japanese cuisine, although we continue to cook Kyrgyz dishes. At this time, the cherry blossoms are blooming, which is incredibly beautiful. I am sincerely grateful to my family, husband, parents, and colleagues for their support in this opportunity,” Jamila concluded.
