“Aaj yahan ekatrit hone ke liye aap sabhi ka dhanyavad,” ONO Keiichi, Ambassador of Japan , began in Hindi, drawing warm applause, as he welcomed guests to a reception celebrating the Emperor of Japan’s 66th birthday recently. Delhi’s diplomatic circle recently gathered at the Embassy of Japan, where kimonos met saris and namastes met bows in a celebration of cultural ties, as the garden transformed into a slice of Japan.




Entering the tea room, ONO Keiichi donned the hat of a tea master in the authentic Japanese tea ceremony as he whisked matcha for the guests from India. Following the precise process of whisking, he maintained concentration and silence. Kiren Rijiju remarked, “If I drink this tea regularly, I don’t know if I will become stronger but I will become younger (laughs)!”




‘People to people exchanges make the bond stronger’



Talking about the cultural ties with India, the ambassador said, “The close Japanese relationship is supported, not only by high level expenses, but also by economic ties and people to people exchanges. Next year, we mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Japan, which is very significant.” He added his appreciation for India in Hindi and said, “It’s been a year and four months since I’ve been in India. To learn more deeply, I have travelled to 16 states in the country and had the pleasure of trying out their food and experiencing the diverse culture. Although tonight I am conversing in Hindi, I have also conversed in Gujarati, Telugu and other regional languages during my travels.”








‘Aapki khubsurat hindi ke liye aapka abhinandan’



Addressing the gathering, Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs, who was the chief guest, said, “I must express my excitement for your excellency, the Japanese ambassador’s beautiful Hindi. Aapki khubsurat Hindi ke liye aapka abhinandan. India and Japan share a relationship that is rooted in historical and civilised standings. Buddhism is our shared spiritual heritage. In the contemporary context, our ties exist in our common strategic outlook, shared values, and a commitment to peace, prosperity, and stability in the Indo-Pacific, and beyond.”





The unconventional Indo-Japanese menu



Guests had the chance to try Japanese snacks like rice crackers, probiotic milk, cup noodles, and chocolates. The dinner was an Indian feast complete with jalebi and gulab jamun, accompanied with Japanese appetizers of tofu salad and tempura shrimp. The diverse reception was brimming with multilingual greetings and cultural vibrance.