A group of Japanese artistes joined members of the Indian community in welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Tokyo on Friday.
Showcasing Indian culture and aiming to deepen cultural ties between the two nations, the Japanese artists presented a wide range of classical dances and folk songs.
The performers were seen wearing Rajasthani attire during their cultural performance, welcoming the Indian leader to Japan after a gap of seven years.
“It was such a great chance to perform for Prime Minister Modi. I am very happy. I performed Mohiniyattam, a classical dance form from South India. I have more than 25 years of experience. This dance is an individual dance form, but for Prime Minister Modi, we made it a group performance,” one of the Japanese artists told ANI news agency.
Another artist said that performing in front of Modi was like winning a gold medal for them.
“We performed Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Mohiniattam and Odissi together, on live music… This is the third time I came in front of him, but this is the first time I got to be close to him. This is like a gold medal for us,” she told the news agency.
Modi reacts to the Indian community members’ welcome
Modi said he was “deeply touched” by the warm welcome he received from the Indian diaspora in Japan.
He wrote on X: “Greetings on National Sports Day! On this special occasion, we pay tribute to Major Dhyan Chand Ji, whose excellence continues to inspire generations.”
AI to semiconductors: Modi to meet PM Ishiba for bilateral meet
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Japan on Friday with the aim of deepening existing partnerships and exploring new avenues of collaboration, including in Artificial Intelligence and semiconductors.
“In the last decade, India’s sporting landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation. From grassroots programmes that nurture young talent to creating world-class facilities, we are seeing a vibrant sports ecosystem in our nation. Our government remains committed to supporting athletes, building infrastructure and making India a global hub for sporting excellence,” he said.
After landing in Japan, Modi wrote on X: “Landed in Tokyo. As India and Japan continue to strengthen their developmental cooperation, I look forward to engaging with PM Ishiba and others during this visit, thus providing an opportunity to deepen existing partnerships and explore new avenues of collaboration.”
This trip marks Modi’s first standalone visit to Japan in seven years.
He will be meeting Prime Minister Ishiba for the first time for a bilateral summit.
The Indian PM last attended the India-Japan Annual Summit in 2018.
In his pre-departure speech, Modi had said his visit would help shape the next phase in India’s Special Strategic and Global Partnership with Japan.
“We would endeavour to give new wings to our collaboration, expand scope and ambition of our economic and investment ties, and advance cooperation in new and emerging technologies, including AI and Semiconductors,” he said.
During his visit, Modi will attend the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit.
After completing his trip to Japan, the Prime Minister will travel to China.
