As Tokyo readies to host Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit, Japanese artists are preparing a warm cultural welcome that blends India’s traditions with Japan’s admiration for them.
A Japanese artist shared her excitement, saying, “I will welcome Prime Minister Modi in Hindi with my students… ‘Padharo Mhare Des’… I have been learning Hindi since 2020.” Her words reflect the growing cultural bridges between the two nations, where Indian languages and traditions are finding resonance in Japan.
Another artist preparing for the welcome is a Kutiyattam performer, trained for over 30 years in this ancient Sanskrit theatre form from Kerala. “We are here to welcome PM Modi,” he said, highlighting how Japan has embraced India’s diverse art forms as symbols of shared friendship.
PM Modi’s Itinerary in Japan
Prime Minister Modi begins his two-day visit to Japan on August 29 at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. This marks Modi’s first standalone visit to Japan in nearly seven years and his first annual summit with Ishiba.
The two leaders will hold in-depth discussions on strengthening bilateral relations, reviewing progress across multiple domains, and exploring new initiatives. The summit is expected to address areas such as:
- Trade and investment partnerships
- Technology and innovation collaborations
- Regional and global security challenges
The program also includes a special visit outside Tokyo, underlining the importance of people-to-people ties and cultural exchange as part of the diplomatic itinerary.
Broader Engagements
In addition to the summit, PM Modi will interact with several Japanese political leaders and engage with the Friends of India in Japan community. A key highlight of the visit will be the India-Japan Business Leaders’ Forum, where top industrialists from both countries will explore ways to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, and technology.
Looking Ahead
From Tokyo, Prime Minister Modi will depart for China (August 31–September 1) to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin.
For India and Japan, this summit represents an opportunity not only to strengthen economic and strategic ties but also to celebrate the cultural and human connections that form the heart of their relationship. The Japanese artists preparing to welcome PM Modi embody this spirit of friendship — where traditions are shared, languages are learned, and respect flows both ways.
