New Delhi, India – February 25, 2025 – The second edition of The Rising Sun Conclave, an esteemed annual event organized by Connect India Japan, successfully concluded at the India International Centre, marking a remarkable milestone in strengthening India-Japan relations. This prestigious platform, founded by Ms. Nupur Tewari, aims to bridge the gap between the two nations by fostering collaboration in business, diplomacy, and cultural exchange.
A Visionary Initiative by Connect India Japan
Connect India Japan has been a key facilitator in enhancing Indo-Japanese ties through its flagship initiatives, including a bilingual magazine, CIJ Today news portal, and an exclusive podcast series that offers valuable insights. The organization also supports businesses and professionals by providing market entry assistance, legal and strategic consultancy, real estate solutions, tourism services, and employment support.
Prestigious Guests and Award Honorees
The grand event began with the national anthems of India and Japan, followed by an inspiring keynote address by Ms. Nupur Tewari, setting the stage for a day of high-level discussions and knowledge exchange. The conclave was attended by top dignitaries, business pioneers, and cultural ambassadors, offering unparalleled networking opportunities.
The event was graced by Honorable Mrs. Smriti Irani, Former Cabinet Minister, Government of India, who participated in an engaging fireside chat, sharing valuable insights on India-Japan collaboration. She also presented the India-Japan Excellence Awards, recognizing individuals who have made exceptional contributions to strengthening ties between the two nations.
This year’s awardees included:
• Mr. Deepa Gopalan Wadhwa, Chairperson, India-Japan Friendship Forum
• Mr. Dhanesh Kumar Jain, Chairman Emeritus, Lumax-DK Jain Group
• Mr. Kenji Nakajima, Founder, Manami Restaurant
The event also welcomed Mr. Takashi Ariyoshi, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Japan in India, who delivered a compelling speech emphasizing the deep-rooted partnership between India and Japan.
Additionally, the conclave featured renowned diplomats such as Mr. Deepa Gopalan Wadhwa, Former Ambassador of India to Japan and Chairperson of the India-Japan Friendship Forum; Mr. Sanjay Kumar Verma, Former Ambassador of India to Japan; and Mr. Raj Srivastava, Former Ambassador of India to Croatia. A special video message from Honorable Mr. Sibi George, India’s Ambassador to Japan, further reinforced the importance of the growing Indo-Japanese relationship.
Thought-Provoking Panel Discussions
The conclave featured a series of insightful panel discussions, covering key aspects of business, diplomacy, culture, and strategic partnerships between India and Japan:
- The Spiritual Conversation – From Dhyan to Zen
- Speaker: Mr. Mohanji, Global Humanitarian
- This session highlighted the shared spiritual philosophies of India and Japan, emphasizing mindfulness and meditation as a bridge between the two cultures.
- Diplomacy and Policy
- Speakers: Mr. Deepa Gopalan Wadhwa, Mr. Sanjay Kumar Verma, and Mr. Raj Srivastava
- A discussion on trade agreements, policy frameworks, and diplomatic strategies shaping the future of India-Japan relations.
- Business Opportunities in Japan and India
- Speakers: Mr. Deepak Jain, Mr. Gurpreet Sandhu, and Mr. Hidefumi Kasagi
- Insights into investment trends, industry collaborations, and opportunities for businesses in both nations.
- Media and Geopolitics
- Speakers: Mr. Ramnik Singh Mann, Mr. Anand Ranganathan, Mr. Tehseen Poonawalla, and Mr. Abhijit Iyer Mitra
- A deep dive into the role of media in shaping geopolitical narratives and India-Japan’s positioning in global affairs.
- People-to-People Connect
- Speakers: Mr. Ashok Kumar Chawla, Mr. Rahul Bapat, Mr. Tomio Isogai, and Mr. Sudhir Jaiswal
- Discussions on education, cultural exchange, and professional collaborations strengthening people-to-people relations.
- Hospitality and Airlines
- Speakers: Mr. Hiroyuki Mitsuhashi (Assistant Manager, Marketing & Sales, ANA), Mr. Vaibhav Mittal (Vice President, Corporate Affairs, IHCL), Mr. Kojiro Honda (Co-Owner & Founder, Hirohama India Pvt. Ltd. & Kuuraku India Pvt. Ltd.), Mr. Keiji Hisatake (Managing Director, Hotel Nikko Bangkok), and Ms. Akiyama Mizuho (Representative, Institute of Philosophy in Life)
- A discussion on tourism, business travel, and hospitality industries, driving cultural and economic engagement between India and Japan.
Cultural Highlights and Conclusion
The event also celebrated the artistic ties between India and Japan with a breathtaking Odissi dance performance by Ms. Kaori Naka, showcasing the rich cultural heritage shared by both nations.
The conclave concluded with an exclusive networking dinner, allowing dignitaries, business leaders, and cultural ambassadors to form meaningful connections and discuss future collaborations.
A New Chapter in India-Japan Relations: The Rising Sun Conclave 2
With the successful completion of The Rising Sun Conclave 2, Connect India Japan continues its mission to be a catalyst for collaboration, strengthening the India-Japan partnership across business, diplomacy, culture, and strategic initiatives.
The event reaffirmed the growing bilateral relations and set the stage for future partnerships that will drive innovation, economic growth, and cross-cultural understanding. As India and Japan continue to strengthen their ties, The Rising Sun Conclave remains a pivotal platform for shaping the future of this enduring partnership.
For more information, visit www.connectindiajapan.com
