Tokyo, Japan — History was created on 24th September, 2025, as Connect India Japan hosted the inaugural Ms. India Japan Pageant, a groundbreaking celebration uniting India and Japan through culture, elegance, and shared values. The evening was graced by the esteemed presence of Mrs. Akie Abe, Former First Lady of Japan, who reflected on the enduring ties of her late husband, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, with India.
Mrs. Abe moved the audience with her heartfelt reflections:
“My husband’s ties with India went beyond his role as Prime Minister. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi, especially, the two of them could feel each other’s warmth simply by exchanging a smile. There were many things my husband valued and cared for. It is my hope to carry them in my own helpful way.”
She also lauded Ms. Nupur Tewari, founder of Connect India Japan, recognizing her as “the real Ms. India Japan” — a testament to the organization’s vision of strengthening bilateral ties through people-to-people connections.
The pageant began with a mesmerizing cultural performance of Indian classical dance by Ms. Atsuko Maeda, setting the tone for a night celebrating creativity and heritage. This was followed by inspiring keynote addresses from Shri R. Madhu Sudan, Chargé d’Affaires, Indian Embassy, Tokyo, and Mr. Kazuya Nakajo, Executive Advisor, JETRO, who highlighted the importance of cultural diplomacy and people-to-people exchange in strengthening India-Japan relations.
Adding further stature to the occasion, the jury panel brought together global voices: Dr. Tomohiko Taniguchi, Speechwriter and Special Advisor to the Late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe; Mr. Kazuya Nakajo, Executive Advisor, JETRO; Mr. James Angelus, President, International Security Industry Council, Japan; Ms. Luma Naomi, Miss Grand Japan 2024; and Prof. Rajib Shaw of Keio University. Their collective wisdom ensured that the winners were chosen with integrity, foresight, and international perspective.
The twenty talented finalists took to the stage in three stunning walks, each celebrating a different cultural style. The first walk featured all contestants in elegant Japanese kimonos, showcasing the grace and tradition of Japan. The second walk highlighted the vibrant beauty of Indian sarees, reflecting India’s rich heritage. The final walk saw the finalists in glamorous gowns, blending modern elegance with cultural pride.
The evening was further elevated by soulful music performances by Ms. Gayatri and Mr. Sanket, a Japanese song by Ms. Kaede Kato, and a unique presentation on Gyokuro Cha, Japan’s premium organic tea.
The pinnacle of the night was the crowning of Ms. Chiharu Sakamoto as the first-ever Ms. India Japan 2025, with Ms. Shelley Singh named First Runner-Up. As Connect India Japan’s first official ambassador, Ms. Sakamoto will serve as a dynamic bridge between India and Japan, promoting peace, culture, entrepreneurship, and trade. She will support Indian small and medium enterprises by connecting them with opportunities across Japanese prefectures and providing global exposure for innovative businesses.
This was followed by a powerful and inspiring speech by Dr. Tomohiko Taniguchi, reflecting on the evening’s significance and the enduring legacy of Indo-Japanese friendship. The night concluded with a warm networking gala dinner, allowing guests, performers, and dignitaries to connect and celebrate together.
Connect India Japan extends heartfelt gratitude to Kagoshima Prefecture, our prefecture partner, for supporting this historic event. The organization also thanks all the speakers, performers, jury members, and contributors who helped make the first-ever Ms. India Japan an unforgettable celebration.
Founded by Nupur Tewari, Connect India Japan continues to deepen and expand the bond between India and Japan through cultural exchange, business collaboration, education, and empowerment initiatives. With signature platforms such as the Connect India Japan Magazine & News Portal, Podcast, and Business Portal, along with landmark events like the Rising Sun Conclave, Tokyo Cup, Rising India ie Bharat, and now the inaugural Ms. India Japan, the organization remains at the forefront of building meaningful bridges and celebrating the shared vision, culture, and innovation of these two nations.
