Prime Minister Narendra Modi received an enthusiastic and emotional reception as he arrived in Sendai, Japan, on Saturday. A lively crowd greeted him with warm chants of “Modi-san, welcome!” at the station, reflecting the camaraderie and goodwill between India and Japan .
The visit marked an important stop during PM Modi’s two-day official trip, which included the 15th India–Japan Annual Summit and culminated in a high-profile bullet train (Shinkansen) journey alongside Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba . As Modi stepped off the Shinkansen, the heartfelt chants resonated across the station, emphasizing the cultural warmth and enthusiasm shared by the people of Japan toward their Indian visitor .
This vibrant welcome came amidst significant developments in bilateral cooperation. During his visit to Sendai, PM Modi toured a semiconductor plant, reinforcing a shared vision of advancing technology partnerships between the two countries . The trip focused on deepening collaboration in critical sectors such as semiconductors, AI, clean energy, and strategic investments .
Why This Moment Mattered
The chants of “Modi-san, welcome!” went beyond mere formality—they captured the essence of a growing bond between two democracies, grounded in shared values and mutual respect. The gesture from both the Indian diaspora and Japanese locals served as a heartfelt reminder of the soft power that accompanies substantive diplomatic and technological engagements.
With plans for significant Japanese private-sector investment in India, technology cooperation, and strategic dialogue on full display, this reception illustrated a seamless blend of warmth and purpose in India–Japan relations.
