Japanese Ambassador Hosts Vibrant Cultural Reception Celebrating Emperor's Birthday in Delhi
The Embassy of Japan in New Delhi recently became a vibrant crossroads of cultures as Ambassador ONO Keiichi welcomed diplomats and dignitaries to a special reception celebrating the 66th birthday of the Emperor of Japan. The event, marked by traditional Japanese hospitality and warm Indian engagement, showcased the deepening people-to-people connections between the two nations.
Multilingual Welcome and Cultural Fusion
Ambassador ONO Keiichi opened the proceedings with a heartfelt address in Hindi, saying, "Aaj yahan ekatrit hone ke liye aap sabhi ka dhanyavad" (Thank you all for gathering here today), which drew enthusiastic applause from the assembled guests. The garden of the embassy was transformed into a picturesque slice of Japan, where the elegant drapes of kimonos mingled with the vibrant colors of saris, and traditional Japanese bows were exchanged with respectful namastes.
The ambassador demonstrated his deep connection to India by sharing his linguistic journey. "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," he revealed, highlighting his commitment to understanding India's cultural tapestry.
Traditional Tea Ceremony and Symbolic Exchanges
A highlight of the evening was an authentic Japanese tea ceremony, where Ambassador ONO personally whisked matcha for Indian guests. Donning the traditional attire of a tea master, he meticulously followed the precise rituals of preparation, maintaining an atmosphere of concentration and silence that captivated observers.
Union Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, who served as the chief guest, humorously remarked after tasting the tea, "If I drink this tea regularly, I don't know if I will become stronger but I will become younger!" He then praised the ambassador's linguistic skills, saying, "I must express my excitement for your excellency, the Japanese ambassador's beautiful Hindi. Aapki khubsurat Hindi ke liye aapka abhinandan."
The cultural symbolism extended to a display featuring a Takasaki Daruma doll inscribed with 'India-Japan.' This traditional Japanese lucky charm, inspired by Bodhidharma from India, represents a wish-fulfillment tradition where one eye is painted when making a wish and the other when that wish is granted, serving as a poignant metaphor for bilateral aspirations.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties Ahead of Historic Anniversary
Ambassador ONO emphasized the foundational pillars of the India-Japan relationship, stating, "The close Japanese relationship is supported, not only by high level exchanges, 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."
Minister Rijiju elaborated on the strategic dimensions, noting, "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."
Diplomatic Gathering and Culinary Delights
The reception attracted a diverse array of diplomatic representatives, including:
- Philip Green, Australian High Commissioner
- Fernando Bucheli, Ambassador of Ecuador
- Maya Tissafi, Ambassador of Switzerland
- Mariano A. Caucino, Ambassador of Argentina
- Kevin Kelly, Irish Ambassador
- Javier Paulinich, Peruvian Ambassador
- Jacqueline Mukangira, Ambassador of Rwanda
- Dato' Muzafar Shah Mustafa, Ambassador of Malaysia
Guests were treated to an unconventional Indo-Japanese menu that perfectly encapsulated the fusion theme. Japanese snacks like rice crackers, probiotic milk, cup noodles, and chocolates were served alongside Indian dinner favorites including jalebi and gulab jamun, complemented by Japanese appetizers such as tofu salad and tempura shrimp.
Cultural Performances and Lasting Impressions
The evening's cultural program featured traditional Japanese music, with artists playing the koto (a Japanese string instrument) alongside violin performances, creating a harmonious blend of Eastern and Western musical traditions. The entire event buzzed with multilingual greetings and cultural vibrance, serving as a microcosm of the growing people-to-people exchanges that Ambassador ONO identified as crucial to strengthening bilateral bonds.
As the reception concluded, the shared laughter, cultural appreciation, and diplomatic camaraderie left a lasting impression of a relationship moving confidently toward its 75th anniversary milestone, built on mutual respect and deepening engagement at every level of society.
