Japanese nationals performed Gayatri Mantra in front of PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tokyo on Friday morning, August 29, 2025, marking the beginning of his much-anticipated two‑day official visit to Japan for the 15th India–Japan Annual Summit.

His arrival was greeted with a vibrant cultural display that highlighted not only the vitality of the Indian diaspora but also the depth of Indo‑Japanese cultural engagement. Members of both the Indian community in Japan and Japanese nationals who have embraced Indian traditions organised an elaborate welcome ceremony.

The event was enriched with classical and folk performances, which included diverse art forms such as Mohiniyattam, Kathak, Bharatnatyam, and Odissi, symbolising the cultural bridge between the two nations. A particularly striking moment came when Japanese artists dressed in traditional Rajasthani attire sang folk songs, demonstrating their deep appreciation of Indian heritage.

Several performers shared their joy with media outlets, expressing that presenting Indian dance forms before the Indian Prime Minister was an unparalleled honour, likened by one artist to winning a "gold medal." Another performer revealed that though Mohiniyattam is traditionally a solo performance, they adapted it into a group presentation especially for Prime Minister Modi, reflecting the depth of their dedication.

In addition to the vibrancy of music and dance, spiritual flavour was added to the welcome through the recitation of the Gayatri Mantra by Japanese nationals, a gesture that highlighted the shared spiritual values and respect for India’s civilizational heritage.

Following the performances, Prime Minister Modi actively engaged with members of the Indian diaspora, who greeted him with chants of “Bharat Mata ki Jai,” showcasing the strong emotional and cultural bonds that Indians living overseas continue to maintain with their homeland. Modi’s interactions with both Japanese nationals and the diaspora underlined his commitment to people‑to‑people ties, a vital pillar in India’s growing partnership with Japan.

This visit holds significant diplomatic weight as it marks Modi’s first standalone trip to Japan in nearly seven years, underscoring the importance of advancing the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between the two nations.

During his summit engagements, Modi is scheduled to hold in-depth discussions with his Japanese counterpart, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, where they are expected to review the progress made across a wide range of areas — from trade, investment, technology, and innovation to defence cooperation, connectivity, and clean energy. Both leaders are also likely to exchange views on pressing regional and global issues, including developments in the Indo-Pacific, economic resilience, and shared concerns over supply chain security.

The Tokyo visit embodies the mutual vision of India and Japan in strengthening bilateral ties beyond transactional cooperation, moving toward a broader strategic alignment that balances regional stability and prosperity. It also demonstrates Japan’s proactive engagement under Prime Minister Ishiba’s leadership in furthering ties with India at a crucial time when both countries are playing increasingly influential roles on the global stage.

Following the conclusion of his visit to Japan, Prime Minister Modi will proceed to Tianjin, China, from August 31 to September 1, to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. This dual tour to Japan and China in quick succession highlights India’s active diplomacy in Asia, seeking to manage partnerships, enhance dialogue with major neighbours, and reinforce its strategic profile in the evolving regional order.

Based On ANI Report