january 2018 - embassy of japan in india · Ø ambassador hiramatsu visits state of kerala 11 ......

January 2018

CONTENTS

A quarterly newsletter from the Embassy of Japan in India

Ambassador of Japan to India, Mr. Kenji Hiramatsu, interacting with NAO, autonomous humanoid robot, at the opening event of 'Japan Festival', at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, on October 27

(Photo: Embassy of Japan, New Delhi)

Ø Japan Festival 2

- Japan Festival Pre-Opening Event

- Opening Event

- Japan Food Expo at World Food India 2017

- Japanese Film Festival

- An Evening with Japanese Sake

- Demonstration & Workshop of Japanese Tea Ceremony – Chanoyu

- Japan-India SPORTS Exchanges

Ø IRIS Program – Youth Invitation Program from 6North East Region of India

Ø Ambassador Makes Special Address at USI 6

Ø Meeting with Defence Minister 6

Ø Ambassador Hiramatsu Delivers Lecture on 7Geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific Region

Ø Ambassador Hiramatsu Visits State of Karnataka 7

Ø Ambassador Meets Cabinet Ministers 8

Ø Japan Participates in Railway Expo 8

Ø Japanese and Indian Railway Experts Hold 9 Roundtable Discussion

Ø Prime Minister's Special Advisor Visits India 9

Ø Chief Ministers of Jharkhand and Punjab Visit Embassy 10

Ø Ambassador Hiramatsu Attends Reliance Nippon 10Life Asset Management’s Listing on National Stock Exchange (NSE)

Ø Foreign Minister's Commendation Conferred upon FICCI 11

Ø Ambassador Hiramatsu Visits State of Kerala 11

Ø Japan Supports 2nd Global Technology Summit 12

Ø 1st Act East Forum on North East Convenes 12

Ø Memorial Service Remembers the Fallen from 13World War II

Ø Interaction with the Indian Film Industry 13

Ø Foreign Minister's Commendation Conferred upon 14Biyani Group of Colleges

Ø 30th North India Japanese Speech Contest held 14in New Delhi

Ø Updates from Consulates 15

Ø Exploring Japan: Traditional Winter Festivities 19

Ø Embassy of Japan in India Officially on Facebook 20

Japan Calling2

From October 27 to December 16, the Japan Festival introduced various facets of Japan, such as music, films, cultural heritage, cutting-edge technology, food, sports, among others, to the Indian audiences around Delhi/NCR area. The following is the extract of the festival. You can also see for more information.http://www.in.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/00_000439.html

On October 26, Ambassador Hiramatsu and Mrs. Hiramatsu hosted the 'Japan Festival Pre-opening Event'. The event was positioned as an exclusive preview to the events which were to happen during the ensuing Japan Festival. The guests enjoyed Japan's cultural heritage tour through awe-inspiring virtual reality technology, and danced the night away to a lively Jazz session by Mr. Makoto Kuriya and the Creative Ensemble Japan. The night was a great success in bringing momentum to the 'Japan Festival'.

Japan Festival

Japan Festival Pre-Opening Event

(Photos: Embassy of Japan, New Delhi)

On October 27, the Embassy of Japan, together with Japan Foundation and other organizations, held the opening event of 'Japan Festival', at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. Stein Auditorium was packed to the brim and enthusiastic audiences were spellbound by Japanese traditional music, jazz, interaction between Ambassador Hiramatsu and NAO, the autonomous humanoid robot, Japanese cultural heritage tour with VR technology, and more. Please see for more information.http://www.in.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/00_000447.html


Opening Event

Japanese traditional music performance by WASABI Jazz performance by Makoto Kuriya – Creative Jazz Ensemble Japan

Japan Calling 3


Japan Food Expo at World Food India 2017

From November 3 through 5, Japan participated as a Partner Country in World Food India 2017, a mega-scale food and food-

processing exposition organized by the Government of India. On the preceding evening, Ambassador Hiramatsu hosted a reception at

the Residence, attended by 11 of the food-related businesses that came from Japan for World Food India, for an intimate exchange of

information and business talks.

The full-fledged exposition followed from the following day onwards. State Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries,

Mr. Taniai, led the Japanese Government delegation, and about 60 Japanese food-related companies showcased their products.

Prime Minister Modi dropped by the Japan Pavilion and enjoyed Japanese products and technologies. Mr. Taniai took part in an open-

to-public plenary session and held meetings with the Minister for Food Processing Industries and Minister of State for Agriculture and

Farmers Welfare of India. Japan will continue to expand its investment in the field of food-related industries in India.

Japan Calling4

On November 23, Ambassador Hiramatsu and Mrs. Hiramatsu hosted “An Evening with Japanese Sake”, at their residence, in cooperation with Ms. Rie Yoshitake, Representative of Sake Samurai Association UK, and 5 Sake Breweries from Japan.The Sake Breweries participating at the event included Dewazakura Sake Brewery Co. Ltd. (Yamagata Prefecture), Urakasumi Sake Brewery Saura Co. Ltd. (Miyagi Prefecture), Masuda Tokubee Shoten Co. Ltd. (Kyoto Prefecture), Akashi Sake Brewery Co. Ltd. (Hyogo Prefecture), and Kayashima Sake Brewing Co. Ltd. (Oita Prefecture).After Ambassador Hiramatsu's opening remarks and a toast, a lecture on Japanese Sake was given by Ms. Rie Yoshitake, followed by a Sake-tasting session. The event also featured a scrumptious spread of Japanese cuisine.The evening was attended by eminent Indian as well as Japanese personalities from the fields of culture and business, as well as academics and journalists.


An Evening with Japanese Sake

On November 10, Ambassador Hiramatsu attended the Opening of the Japanese Film Festival organized by Japan Foundation and watched its inaugural film "Re-life" at PVR Sangam, New Delhi. The Ambassador expressed his hope to the audience for a closer synergy developing between the Japanese and Indian film industries. The leading actress in "Re-life", Ms. Yuna Taira, was also present and interacted with the audience.

Japanese Film Festival


Japan Calling 5

Over three thousand spectators gathered to witness the "Japan-India SPORTS Exchanges - Towards 2020 Tokyo Olympics/Paralympics" at IGI Stadium, New Delhi, on December 16. The event was addressed by the Honourable Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, and four Indian Olympians, Mr. Balbir Singh (Hockey), Mr. Vijender Singh (Boxing), Mr. Akhil Kumar (Boxing), and Mr. Akram Shah (Judo), as well as by Ambassador Kenji Hiramatsu. Japanese Judo Olympic Medalists, Mr. Masashi Nishiyama and Ms. Misato Nakamura, demonstrated their Judo techniques and encouraged Indian and Japanese school children to continue their efforts to realize their dreams. Demonstrations of traditional Japanese drums and dance, Kendo, Karate and Kalaripayattu, also graced the event.


Japan-India SPORTS Exchanges

The Embassy of Japan organized a Chanoyu (tea ceremony) demonstration and workshop on November 27 and 28 at the Ambassador's Residence. Ms. Soyu Sensui, tea master and the representative of the Association of Preservation of Traditional Japanese Chanoyu Culture, and the members of the Association, explained Chanoyu and demonstrated the procedures of serving Japanese matcha tea. During the workshop, participants tried to make matcha tea and serve it to others.On November 28, the participants comprised of students from Class 9 to 11, who study Japanese language or have experience of visiting Japan. They heard the explanation about Japanese traditional tea ceremony, tried making matcha tea, and served it to their classmates. Most of them had the first experience of making matcha tea with tea whisk and enjoyed tea making and drinking matcha tea.During the demonstration, the meanings of four principles of the spirit of Chanoyu were explained. The four principles are Wa (harmony), Kei (respect), Sei (purity) and Jaku (tranquillity). At the same time, the tea master explained the influence of Zen Buddhism and the meaning of each procedure of serving tea. This demonstration and workshop gave the participants a chance to know the spiritual aspects of the Japanese traditional culture. We hope this event contributed to the participants' further understanding of Japanese traditional culture and its spirit.

Demonstration & Workshop of Japanese Tea Ceremony – Chanoyu


Japan Calling6

IRIS Program – Youth Invitation Program from North East Region of India

(Photo: Embassy of Japan, New Delhi)Ambassador and Mrs. Hiramatsu interacted with the participants on the day of their departure

On November 2, Ambassador Hiramatsu delivered a special address at the seminar "From Contest to Cooperation: A vision for Shared Prosperity in the Indo-Pacific Region" at United Service Institution of India. Around 200 audiences including researchers, active and retired military officers, and Ambassadors based in India, attended the event.


Ambassador Makes Special Address at USI

23 young talents from Manipur and Nagaland visited Japan from October 28 to November 4, under the IRIS Program, a youth invitation program by the Government of Japan, which invites promising young talents from the North East Region of India.During the visit, the members visited Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba and Hiroshima, having wide-ranging experiences to better understand Japan and its culture and society.

On November 9, Ambassador Hiramatsu called on the Honourable Defence Minister, Mrs. Nirmala Sitharaman. The Ambassador congratulated her on her appointment to the high office of Defence Minister. In their meeting, they had discussions on the security environment, and agreed to further deepen defence exchanges between Japan and India.

Meeting with Defence Minister


Japan Calling 7

On December 8, Ambassador Hiramatsu made a lecture titled "Japan's Perspective of the Changing Geopolitics of Asia" as part of a lecture series "Changing Asia" hosted by the India Habitat Centre in collaboration with the Society for Policy Studies. The event was chaired by Director of Society for Policy Studies, Commodore C. Uday Bhaskar, and was attended by over 70 people. Ambassador Hiramatsu expounded on Japan's perspective on the dynamic Indo-Pacific region, starting with a strategic overview, and then moved on to how Japan can contribute with its "Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy". He also highlighted the significance of a robust Japan-India relationship for the peace and stability of the whole region and beyond, among other topics.

Ambassador Hiramatsu Delivers Lecture on Geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific Region


On September 25-26, Ambassador & Mrs. Hiramatsu visited the State of Karnataka. Ambassador Hiramatsu called on Karnataka State Ministers of Bengaluru Development & Town Planning, and Medium & Heavy Industries, to discuss further support for the Japanese private sector.Ambassador & Mrs. Hiramatsu attended the grand opening of Toshiba-Mitsubishi Electric Industrial Systems Corporation (TMEIC)'s power electronics factory in Tumakuru. In his remarks, Ambassador Hiramatsu expressed his high expectation that the new factory would meet the urgent demand for better energy supply in India. Ambassador & Mrs. Hiramatsu also visited the TeamIndus campus in Bengaluru to meet the Japan-India collaborating team, Hakuto and TeamIndus, working on a project to send rovers to the moon and explore the outer space.

Ambassador Hiramatsu Visits State of Karnataka


Ambassador Hiramatsu called on multiple cabinet ministers at their offices in October. With Honourable Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Mr. Hardeep Singh Puri, the Ambassador discussed a wide range of topics, such as 'Housing for All' Mission, 'Smart Cities' Mission, Clean India, waste water management, and metro projects. Ambassador Hiramatsu met with Honourable Minister of Steel, Mr. Chaudhary Birender Singh, to discuss future cooperation between Japan and India in the field of steel. The Ambassador also held intensive talks with Honourable Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan, who attended the LNG Producer-Consumer Conference 2017 in Tokyo. The two discussed how Japan and India can further collaborate in the field of LNG and Oil as well as in skill development, under Japan's Technical Intern Training Programme, and Japan's Institutes of Manufacturing and Japan-Endowed Courses.

Ambassador Meets Cabinet Ministers

Ambassador with Hon. Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan

Ambassador with Hon. Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Mr. Hardeep Singh Puri

Ambassador with Hon. Minister of Steel, Mr. Chaudhary Birender Singh


On October 11, Ambassador Hiramatsu attended the International Railway Equipment Exhibition (IREE) 2017. In his opening remarks, Ambassador Hiramatsu explained how the introduction of Shinkansen to Japan played a pivotal role in inducing constant innovation to railway technologies and in giving national pride and hope for the bright future to its people. Ambassador Hiramatsu expressed his wish that the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) project too will become a catalyst for further innovation not only in Indian Railways but also in the Indian society and economy at large.

Japan Participates in Railway Expo


Japan Calling8

On October 31, railway experts and officials of Japan and India interacted at an intense roundtable discussion. Ambassador Hiramatsu led the Japanese delegation consisting of 24 railway company representatives. Indian high-ranking railway officials, headed by the Honourable Minister for Railways, Mr. Piyush Goyal, and Chairman of Railway Board, Mr. Ashwani Lohani, keenly listened to the Japanese side's presentation on railway management methodology as well as engineering expertise. Both sides agreed to take the discussion further toward improved rail operation.

Japanese and Indian Railway Experts Hold Roundtable Discussion


Japan Calling 9

On November 22-23, Dr. Hiroto Izumi, Prime Minister's Special Advisor, came to India to chair the 6th Joint Committee Meeting on Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Railway (MAHSR) Project. The 24-member delegation met with the Indian counterpart, headed by Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog, to hold a high-level dialogue on the project's progress and to navigate the way forward for timely management and completion of the project. Subsequently, the special envoy also spoke with the Railway Minister and exchanged views on MAHSR project as well as Japan's overall cooperation with India's railway system, such as Dedicated Freight Corridor, conventional railway networks, and railway safety.

Prime Minister's Special Advisor Visits India


Japan Calling10

Ambassador Hiramatsu visited Mumbai, Maharashtra, on November 6, to attend a ceremony marking Reliance Nippon Life Asset Management (RNAM)'s listing on the National Stock Exchange (NSE). RNAM is the first asset management firm to be listed in India. Chairman of Reliance ADA Group, Vice-Chairman of Nippon Life Insurance Company, and CEO of NSE were present at the event. In his speech, the Ambassador mentioned that Japanese investment has been diversified into the services sector including the financial sector, and expressed his wish that RNAM's listing would contribute to the advancement of the Indian economy.

Ambassador Hiramatsu Attends Reliance Nippon Life Asset Management’s Listing on National Stock Exchange (NSE)



In October, Ambassador Hiramatsu hosted working dinners for the State Chief Ministers of Jharkhand and Punjab, respectively. The Chief Minister of Jharkhand, ahead of his visit to Japan, visited the Embassy with his delegation on October 7 and interacted with Japanese corporate representatives to discuss further cooperation in their businesses in Jharkhand. The Ambassador stressed the importance of supporting the development of Jharkhand and expressed his wish for more people-to-people exchanges between Japan and the State of Jharkhand.

The Chief Minister of Punjab visited the Embassy on October 27. Aligned with Punjab State's priorities, the dinner participants discussed cooperation in such areas as renewable energy, solarisation of agricultural pumps, industrial parks, and human resources development.

Ambassador with Honourable Chief Minister of Punjab, Captain Amarinder Singh

Ambassador with Honourable Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Sri Raghubar Das

Chief Ministers of Jharkhand and Punjab Visit Embassy

Japan Calling 11

Ambassador & Mrs. Hiramatsu visited the State of Kerala in late November. After courtesy calls on the Governor and Chief Minister of Kerala in Thiruvananthapuram, Ambassador & Mrs. Hiramatsu attended the inauguration of Golden Jubilee Auditorium of Japan Kerala Centre in Kochi, run by the Association for Overseas Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Partnerships (AOTS), Kerala, which has been sending people of Kerala for technical training in Japan for 50 years. On November 30, Ambassador & Mrs. Hiramatsu also attended the inauguration of Japan Mela (Festival) organized by the Indo-Japan Chamber of Commerce, Kerala (INJACK). On this occasion, the Ambassador mentioned the potential for diversified cooperation in Kerala in terms of tourism, ICT, and private sector development in food-processing and environment.

Ambassador Hiramatsu Visits State of Kerala

Courtesy Call on Governor of Kerala Courtesy Call on Chief Minister of Kerala


Inauguration of Japan Mela by the Indo-Japan Chamber of Commerce, KeralaInauguration of Golden Jubilee Auditorium of Japan Kerala Centre

On November 15, Ambassador Hiramatsu held a reception to congratulate the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) on receiving the Japanese Foreign Minister's Commendation. The honour of FM's Commendation was bestowed in recognition of a half century of service by FICCI in promoting Japan-India economic relations. FICCI's contribution has a truly wide scope beyond business interests, ranging from feeding business voices to conclude the Japan-India Economic Partnership Agreement, revitalizing the India-Japan Forum of Parliamentarians, to convening the 1st Japan-India Tourism Summit. FICCI was represented by its executives including Past Presidents, and the incumbent President renewed his motivation to take the growing bilateral relations yet forward with more activities. We sincerely thank FICCI for their distinguished services towards promoting Japan-India economic relations.


Foreign Minister's Commendation Conferred upon FICCI

Japan Calling12


On December 5, the Embassy of Japan and Ministry of External Affairs of India inaugurated the Act East Forum to expand cooperation between Japan and the North Eastern Region of India. Ambassador Hiramatsu stated that Japan is happy to offer cooperation not only in terms of infrastructure development but also in cultural promotion, grassroots-level exchanges, Japanese language education, and sports exchange, and touched upon the potential for social and environmental sustainability projects such as afforestation and community empowerment. Foreign Secretary, Dr. Jaishankar, headed the Indian side and expressed his high expectation for future programs for regional development. Other participants echoed the optimism and discussed the areas of possible cooperation, such as connectivity, road infrastructure, tourism, electricity, and capacity development.


On December 7, Ambassador Hiramatsu visited Bengaluru on the occasion of the 2nd Global Technology Summit, organized by Carnegie India. Japan was the Partner Country for this year's summit. Ambassador Hiramatsu and India's Foreign Secretary, Dr. Jaishankar, delivered the inaugural addresses. On the same day, the Embassy of Japan in India and Carnegie India co-hosted the Bengaluru-Tokyo Tech Initiative. Dr. Raja Mohan, Director of Carnegie India, together with Foreign Secretary, Karnataka Minister of State for Information Technology & Tourism, Chairman of Biocon, Japanese venture capitalists, Japanese academia, and Indian private sector, discussed how Japan and India can elevate their cooperation in technology-led innovations to an even higher level. On the sidelines, Ambassador Hiramatsu and Carnegie India co-hosted a pitching event for 12 Indian start-ups and 2 Japanese venture businesses, to give a presentation before 5 leading Japanese companies and 6 Japanese venture capitalists.

Japan Supports 2nd Global Technology Summit

1st Act East Forum on North East Convenes

Japan Calling 13

Meeting with Mr. Amitabh Bachchan

Promoting Japan-India exchanges in the field of films is one of the main focuses of “2017 the year of Japan-India Friendly Exchanges”. For that purpose, Ambassador Hiramatsu met some of the prominent personalities of Bollywood, including Mr. Amitabh Bachchan, Mr. Aamir Khan and Ms. Farah Khan, and discussed with them ways for further cooperation between Japanese and Indian film industries. (Also, please see page 17.)

Interaction with the Indian Film Industry

Meeting with Ms. Farah Khan(Photos: Consulate General of Japan in Mumbai)

On November 14, Ambassador Hiramatsu held a memorial service to remember the fallen in India's North East during World War II. In early November, a remains-repatriation team from Japan visited Manipur to verify the remains of the Japanese soldiers. The memorial service was held at the Bodhi tree inside the Embassy, planted by then Their Imperial Highnesses the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess, in 1960. As the Ambassador offered tributes to the deceased, all participants, including members of the remains-repatriation team, the Japanese Association Club, and the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in India, wished for the peaceful resting of all the Japanese people who died in India, far away from their homeland.

Memorial Service Remembers the Fallen from World War II


On October 9, Ambassador Hiramatsu hosted the Presentation Ceremony of the Foreign Minister's Commendation for FY 2017 at his Residence, which was conferred upon the Biyani Group of Colleges (BGC), Jaipur, Rajasthan.BGC's projects on education and research are contributing not only to people-to-people exchanges in the field of Science and Technology, but also to promotion of Science Education and Women Empowerment.For further details, please visit http://www.in.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/00_000431.html

Foreign Minister's Commendation Conferred upon Biyani Group of Colleges


Japan Calling14

On October 28, MOSAI (Monbusho Scholars Association of India) organized the 30th North India Japanese Speech Contest at JNU, New Delhi. All the participants made their speeches based upon their personal experiences and their future dreams.

For further details, please visit http://www.in.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/00_000451.html

30th North India Japanese Speech Contest held in New Delhi

Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Japan, Mr. Yutaka Kikuta, with Mr. Ojha, Winner of Senior category


DCM Kikuta with Ms. Himani, Winner of Junior category

(Photos: Consulate General of Japan in Kolkata)

KOLKATA

Updates from Consulates

Japanese Language students, participating in the 20th Nihongo Quiz Contest held at Shivananda Hall, Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture, Golpark, on September 16. The contest, organized by Nihongo Kaiwa Kyookai Society, in collaboration with Consulate General of Japan in Kolkata & Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture, marks the 20th year of Japanese Language Quiz Contest. Around 58 students from different Japanese Language Training Institutes participated enthusiastically in the Junior and Senior Categories.

Mr. Masayuki Taga, Consul General of Japan in Kolkata, with Mr. Rajendra Kumar Rana, Director of NGO, Alternative for Rural Movement, at the Grant Contract Signing Ceremony held at the Consulate General of Japan in Kolkata, on October 3. Consul General Taga, on behalf of the Government of Japan, signed a Grant Contract of US$85,992. The Grant, which is a part of Japan's ODA, will be utilised by the NGO for constructing a two-storey building and to purchase several kinds of training equipment to provide needy women in the region with more opportunities of vocational trainings at ARM Complex in Baliapal, Odisha.

Honourable Governor of West Bengal, Shri Keshari Nath Tripathi, taking a look at the exhibition titled Photographic Images & Matter: Japanese Prints of the 1970s, at the Portrait Gallery of Victoria Memorial Hall after inaugurating it, on December 9, in the presence of Mr. Iwao Horii, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr. Masayuki Taga, Consul General of Japan in Kolkata, Mr. Kaoru Miyamoto, Director General of The Japan Foundation, New Delhi, and Dr. Jayanta Sengupta, Secretary & Curator of Victoria Memorial Hall. The exhibition, organized by Victoria Memorial Hall, The Japan Foundation, and Consulate General of Japan in Kolkata, focused on print expressions of Japan in the 1970s.

Ms. Sumie Kaneko, eminent Japanese Musician, performing at a Concert titled Euphonies of Koto, Shamisen & Tabla organized by the Consulate General of Japan in Kolkata, supported by The Japanese Association of Commerce and Industry in Kolkata, and held at G.D. Birla Sabhagar, on November 11. Around 300 music lovers were enthralled by the wonderful melody of Koto and Shamisen accompanied on Vocal Music by the Japanese Musician. The evening became even more mesmerizing with the recital of a famous Tagore-song in Bengali by Ms. Sumie Kaneko. The audience also got the rare opportunity to witness the unique joint session of Shamisen with Tabla by Pt. Tanmoy Bose, the internationally acclaimed Percussionist.

Japan Calling 15

CHENNAI

On November 29, Mr. Seiji Baba, of Japan in Chennai, hosted the Japanese National Day Reception – Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, at Taj Coromandel, Chennai, which was attended by dignitaries from India, consular corps, and representatives from Japanese communities. On the stage, Consul General Baba gave a welcome speech along with Mrs. Baba.

On November 21, Mr. Seiji Baba, Consul General of Japan in Chennai, paid a Courtesy Call on the Honourable Governor of Tamil Nadu, Mr. Banwarilal Purohit, at Raj Bhavan, the official residence of the Governor of Tamil Nadu.

On October 6, the Consulate General of Japan in Chennai held the Opening Ceremony of the 6th Chennai Japan Film Festival, at RKV Studios, Chennai. Mr. Seiji Baba, Consul General of Japan in Chennai, gave a welcome speech. On the stage are (from right) Mr. S. Kannan, President of Indo-Cine Appreciation Foundation, Ms. Kanae Nakaya, Assistant Japanese Language Advisor of The Japan Foundation, and Mr. & Mrs. Bhagyaraj, filmmaker, cine-actor.

On October 13, the Consulate General of Japan in Chennai held the Japanese Night Vol.7, at Rani Seethai Hall, Chennai. The participants showed their skills in Japanese songs, dances, and skits, etc. At the end of the programme, all participants sang together a special song for “2017 The Year of Japan-India Friendly Exchanges”, with lyrics in Japanese written by the students who study Japanese.

(Photos: Consulate General of Japan in Chennai)

Japan Calling16

MUMBAI

(Photos: Consulate General of Japan in Mumbai)

Official reception to celebrate the 84th birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan was held on November 30. Mr. Ryoji Noda, Consul General of Japan in Mumbai, addressed the guests. He was accompanied by the Chief Guest, Mr. Sumit Mullick, Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra, on the dais.

The Governor of Hyogo Prefecture, Mr. Toshizo Ido, visited Ahmedabad at the end of October. The focus was on enhancing bilateral cooperation between Gujarat and Hyogo on various fronts, such as, academic, business, culture, disaster reduction, environment, and food. The 44-member delegation from Hyogo Prefecture received a heartwarming welcome by the friendly-relationship state of Gujarat.

Mr. Kenji Hiramatsu, Ambassador of Japan to India, and Mr. Ryoji Noda, Consul General of Japan in Mumbai, met Mr. Aamir Khan, famous Bollywood actor and film producer, on October 24, in Mumbai. They discussed further cooperation between the Japanese and Indian movie industry.

Enthusiastic youngsters performed Cosplay of popular animation characters at 'Cool Japan Festival 2017', which was held on November 25 and 26, in co-operation with the Consulate General of Japan in Mumbai, and many Indian and Japanese business entities.

Japan Calling 17

(Photos: Consulate General of Japan in Bengaluru)

BENGALURU

Japanese Cuisine InternationalThe first Japanese food festival hosted by the Consulate turned out to be a huge success, with nearly 600 people turning up, on November 11, at the Chancery Pavilion. We thank each one of the visitors for their interest in the Japanese food and culture, particulraly local Bengalureans, the French Consul-General, and Bengaluru diplomatic corps including Honorary Consuls, media-persons, chefs, singers and dancers, and, of course, the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Japanese Association, JETRO, Rotary Clubs, French Associations, and many more prestigious organizations in Bengaluru.

Japanese Speech Contest at II-ScThe 12th Japanese Speech Contest was held at Indian Institute of Science, on November 4. All the contestants spoke excellent Japanese, and some showcased comical performances which were really skillful entertainment. Hope winners can successfully clear the South Indian Contest and go to Delhi for the All India Contest.

Japanese tea ceremony demonstration at DPS EastThe Japanese cultural event was hosted by Oga Syacyu（大神社中），Delhi Public School East, and Consulate General of Japan in Bengaluru, at DPS East on October 4. Oga Syacyu is a traditional Japanese tea ceremony club where a Japanese master teaches tea ceremony etiquettes. On the day, Oga Syacyu visited DPS East and held the tea ceremony demonstration before students and faculties in the school. The students were able to come in touch with Japanese culture through the event. We were so impressed that all the students were very polite and eagerly listening, and we were also happy that the students learning Japanese language asked so many questions and helped us facilitate the event.

Japanese Speaking Night (the 2nd)The Consulate General of Japan is pleased to report that the 2nd Japanese Speaking Night, despite torrential rain, was successfully concluded on October 7, at St. Mark's Hotel. Many Indian friends of Japan definitely enjoyed talking in Japanese and tasting very rare traditional Japanese sweets from Azuki, Japanese sushi rolls from InBento, and, as usual, Nissin cup noodles as a snack, besides Yakult to quench their thirst. If you missed this 2nd round due to heavy rain, please try to attend the 3rd round, which is not yet planned at the moment. Please follow our movement.

Japan Calling18

Visitors to Japan during winter will have a very unique Japanese experience. Japan celebrates many events in winter, such as Oshogatsu in January, to welcome the New Year, and Setsubun in February, to wish for perfect health by warding off evil from houses. Apart from those famous two, we have various festivals across the country, and you can immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of winter before celebrating the cherry blossoms! To see more pictures or find information about travelling in Japan, visit the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) website . http://www.jnto.go.jp/

Snow Lantern Festival [Yamagata Prefecture]

Sapporo Snow Festival 2015 [Hokkaido]

Kinryu no mai (Golden Dragon Dance) [Tokyo]©Taito City/©JNTO

Doll Festival at Seikantei [Kanagawa Prefecture]©Yasufumi Nishi/© JNTO

©JNTO

Miyajima Kiyomori Festival [Hiroshima Prefecture]©Hiroshima Prefecture / ©JNTO

Iwate Snow Festival [Iwate Prefecture]©Iwate Prefecture/©JNTO

©Yasufumi Nishi/©JNTO

Japan Calling 19

Exploring Japan: Traditional Winter Festivities

Key in “ ” to access the website of the Embassy of Japan, New Delhi.www.in.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html

Issued by:

Ø Japan Information Centre, Embassy of Japan, 50-G, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-110021, Ph: 24122970~73 Fax: 24106976.

Ø Consulate General of Japan, 55, M.N. Sen Lane, Tollygunge, Kolkata-700040, Tel: 24211970 Fax: 24211971.

Ø Consulate General of Japan, No. 12/1 Cenetoph Road, 1st Street, Teynampet, Chennai-600018, Tel: 24323860-3 Fax: 24323859.

Ø Consulate General of Japan, 1, M.L. Dahanukar Marg, Cumbala Hill, Mumbai-400026, Tel: 23517101 Fax: 23517120.

Ø Consulate General of Japan, 1st Floor, ‘Prestige Nebula’, 8-14, Cubbon Road, Bengaluru-560001, Tel: 40649999 Fax: 41660114.

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FOR SUBSCRIPTION OR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

For West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha: The Consulate General of Japan in Kolkata

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20 Japan Calling

ORGANIZATIONS AFFILIATED WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF JAPANJapan International Cooperation Agency

(JICA)16th Floor, Hindustan Times House

18-20, Kasturba Gandhi MargNew Delhi 110 001

Tel: 4909-7000 Fax: 4909-7001 ~ 04http://www.jica.go.jp/india/english/

Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC)

1st floor, The Metropolitan Hotel New Delhi

Bangla Sahib Road, New Delhi 110 001Tel: 4352-2900 Fax: 4352-2950

http://www.jbic.go.jp/en/about/office/new-delhi/

Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)

4th Floor, Eros Corporate TowerNehru Place,

New Delhi 110 019Tel: 4168-3006 Fax: 4168-3003

http://www.jetro.go.jp/en/jetro/worldwide/asia/

The Japan Foundation New Delhi5A, Ring Road, Lajpat Nagar 4

Near Moolchand Metro StationNew Delhi 110 024

Tel: 2644-2968/69/71/72 Fax: 4172-9128http://www.jfindia.org.in/

New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO)

9th Floor, Hotel Le Meridien Commercial Tower,

Raisina Road, New Delhi 110 001Tel: 4351-0101 Fax: 4351-0102

http://www.nedo.go.jp/english/india_office_index.html

Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)

Tel: 011-4905 7650 Fax: 011-4905 7696

E-mail: [email protected]://www.jnto.go.jp/

Embassy of Japan in India

Officially on Facebook

Come and our Facebook Page!

（https://www.facebook.com/

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january 2018 - embassy of japan in india · Ø ambassador hiramatsu visits state of kerala 11 ......

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