Mumbai – Correspondent
Ambassador of Japan to India Keiichi Ono called on the Governor of Maharashtra C. P. Radhakrishnan at Raj Bhavan, Mumbai on Tuesday( 29th July).
Sharing that this was his third visit to Mumbai, the Ambassador underlined the deep cultural and spiritual ties between India and Japan, rooted in Buddhism and mutual respect. He stressed the need for greater people-to-people engagement and informed that an Indo-Japanese Academic Conference will be held in Hyderabad later this year to enhance university-level collaboration. He also expressed concern over the low number of Indian students in Japan and extended Japan’s support to expand academic exchanges, language programmes, and cooperation in fields such as IT, tourism, and skilled workforce.
Welcoming the Japanese Ambassador, Governor Radhakrishnan expressed India’s deep admiration for Japan’s discipline, values, and cultural heritage. He emphasized the need to strengthen economic ties, noting that trade between the two nations does not adequately reflect the strength of their diplomatic relationship. The Governor called for greater collaboration between chambers of commerce and encouraged Japanese MSMEs to explore opportunities in Maharashtra, particularly in consumables, textiles, and gems and jewellery.
In the sphere of education, the Governor informed that the University of Mumbai will soon introduce a Japanese language programme open to students from other institutions. He emphasized that language access would be key to encouraging Indian students to pursue higher education in Japan. He also proposed academic and agricultural exchange programmes, noting Japan’s expertise in mushroom cultivation could benefit rural Maharashtra.
The two leaders also explored potential in tourism, sports, and culture. The Governor suggested launching direct flights between Mumbai and Tokyo once Navi Mumbai International Airport becomes operational. He proposed stronger tourism promotion through cultural events, religious tourism linked to Buddhism, and culinary exchanges—advocating for more Japanese restaurants in Indian cities. The Ambassador supported these ideas and pointed to the popularity of Indian cuisine and films in Japan.
Consul General of Japan in Mumbai Yagi Koji, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan in India Kawakami Masahiro, Second secretary in the Embassy of Japan Hasegawa Norifumi, Vice-Consul Nishio Ryo were present.
