PM's interaction with dignitaries from Japan

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi embarked on a visit to Hiroshima to attend the G-7 Summit, where he had the privilege of meeting distinguished Japanese personalities, Dr. Tomio Mizokami and Ms. Hiroko Takayama, who have made remarkable achievements in their respective fields.

Dr. Tomio Mizo kami, a Professor Emeritus at the Graduate School of Foreign Studies, Osaka University, is widely recognized as an accomplished author, linguist, and an expert in Hindi and Punjabi languages. In recognition of his significant contributions to the promotion of Indian literature and culture in Japan, Dr. Tomio Mizokami was honored with the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2018. One of his notable works is the acclaimed anthology called "Jwalamukhi," which consists of writings by a group of Japanese scholars from the 1980s, who laid the foundation for the study of Hindi in Japan.

Ms. Hiroko Takayama, originally from Hiroshima, is a Western-style painter whose artistic creations have been greatly influenced by her profound connection to India over the past two decades. She has conducted numerous workshops and exhibitions in India and served as a visiting professor at Visva Bharati University in Santiniketan for a brief period. During their meeting, Ms. Hiroko Takayama presented the Prime Minister with one of her notable works—a captivating oil painting of Lord Buddha, crafted in 2022.

The Prime Minister emphasized the significance of such interactions in fostering mutual understanding, respect, and forging stronger ties between India and Japan. Both sides expressed their anticipation for more opportunities to engage in enriching exchanges of ideas, which will further enhance the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.