India Japan Relations: How Connect India Japan Led Three Major Events Strengthening Bilateral Ties Across Business, Education & Culture
November marked an extraordinary milestone in the India–Japan partnership. In a span of just one month, Connect India Japan (CIJ) India’s first dedicated India–Japan media and collaboration ecosystem founded by Ms. Nupur Tewari organized three transformative, high-impact events across business, education, diplomacy, and cultural engagement.
From the greens of Gurugram to the academic corridors of Varanasi to the innovation-driven landscape of Mumbai, these three landmark initiatives Tokyo Cup 2, EDUCON 2025, and The Rising Sun, Mumbai 2025 ignited new opportunities, built stronger bridges, and elevated the India–Japan narrative to an unprecedented level.
Tokyo Cup 2 – A Sporting Powerhouse That Redefined Corporate Diplomacy
Date: November, ITC Classic Golf & Country Club, Gurugram
Presented by: Krisumi Corporation
In association with: HSIIDC
Golf Course Partner: Indiabulls Golf Course
Organized by: Connect India Japan
The month began with Tokyo Cup 2, India’s most anticipated Indo–Japan corporate golf tournament an event that became far more than sport.
The greens witnessed a new force of Indo–Japan collaboration as industrial giants like Trehan Iris, MCPI, UNO Minda, Eldeco, AKS, and Technico Industries Ltd. joined hands in a powerful display of unity and commitment. With Haryana rapidly evolving into a major Japan-linked industrial corridor, the tournament aligned perfectly with the state’s expanding business diplomacy.
The mastermind behind this movement, Ms. Nupur Tewari, infused her lived understanding of Japanese culture into the event. Having spent years immersed in Japan’s corporate and social ethos, she recognized golf’s unique role in Japanese business culture as a space where respect leads conversations and trust precedes transactions.
Tokyo Cup 2 proved that the strongest partnerships are built not in boardrooms, but in moments of human connection.
EDUCON 2025 – A Three-Day Conclave Strengthening Academic & Research Pathways
Dates: 14–16 November
Venue: Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi
Organized by: Connect India Japan & BHU
Mid-November saw CIJ shift from business diplomacy to educational leadership with EDUCON 2025 a dynamic three-day India–Japan Education Conclave held at the historic BHU campus.
The event brought together:
- Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi
- Ambassador Sanjay Kumar Verma (via special address)
- Renowned academicians, policymakers, researchers, and youth leaders from both nations
Day 1 set the tone with reflections on Kashi–Kyoto ties and the value of civilizational continuity.
Day 2 explored geopolitics, science diplomacy, and the future of global academic ecosystems.
Day 3 focused on leadership, culture, and preparing global youth for a rapidly changing world.
With sessions led by eminent experts including Group Captain (Dr.) Ajey Lele (Retd.), Prof. N.V. Varghese, Prof. Kazuyuki Furuuchi, and many others, EDUCON 2025 became a strategic platform for internationalization, collaborative research, and innovation-driven education models.
Convener Dr. K. Alkendra Pratap Singh emphasized that the conclave successfully delivered its mission of creating real pathways for long-term academic partnerships between India and Japan.
The Rising Sun, Mumbai 2025 – A Visionary Conclave for Bilateral Dialogue & Innovation
Date: 19 November
Venue: ICONIQA Hotel, Mumbai
Organized by: Connect India Japan
The month culminated with the spectacular Rising Sun, Mumbai 2025 a conclave that illuminated the evolving landscape of India–Japan diplomacy, business engagement, cultural exchange, and innovation.
The event opened with a soulful Ganesh Vandana, followed by powerful remarks from Shri Rahul Narwekar, Hon’ble Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. His address reinforced Maharashtra’s rise as a major hub for Japanese investment across Mumbai, Pune, and Thane.
The day featured impactful conversations on:
Business, Technology & Investment
With leaders like:
- Mr. Partha Sinha (McKinsey & Co., former President TOI Group)
- Mr. Jay Krishnan (Beyond Next Ventures India)
- Mr. Rabindra Sah (Indian Register of Shipping)
Aviation & Digital Innovation
Led by representatives from:
- All Nippon Airways (ANA)
- NTT DATA Payment Services India
- Mr. Shogo Kimura Japan’s first IPL contender
Culture, Storytelling & Leadership
Featuring:
- Mr. Tomio Isogai, former MD & leading Japan–India bridge-builder
- Shri Mangesh Chivate, Govt. of Maharashtra
- Shri Om Raut, National Award-Winning Filmmaker
Every conversation reflected one truth: India–Japan collaboration today is driven by shared values, trust, and a vision for mutual growth.
The Force Behind the Momentum Ms. Nupur Tewari
Across all three events, one unifying vision stood at the center:
Ms. Nupur Tewari, Founder of Connect India Japan.
Her two decades in Japan as a cultural ambassador, journalist, mindfulness mentor, and bridge-builder have shaped CIJ into a living ecosystem of collaboration. From Japan’s Zen temples to global stages like the Tokyo Olympics and G7, her journey reflects a rare cultural depth that she now channels into nation-building initiatives.
The success of all three November events is a direct reflection of her mission:
To bring India and Japan closer through platforms built on respect, warmth, and authentic human connection.
Conclusion: A Month That Redefined India–Japan Engagement
With Tokyo Cup 2, EDUCON 2025, and The Rising Sun, Mumbai 2025, Connect India Japan achieved what few organizations have attempted:
- A high-impact business diplomacy platform
- A transformative academic conclave
- A visionary bilateral dialogue summit
All within one month.
Together, these events showcase a powerful truth:
The future of India–Japan relations is not only strategic it is human, cultural, innovative, and deeply interconnected.
November 2025 will be remembered as the month when Connect India Japan helped shape a new era of bilateral engagement with India and Japan stepping forward not just as partners, but as collaborators building a shared future.
