Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm and culturally rich welcome in Tokyo, Japan, as a group of Japanese women dressed in traditional Rajasthani attire greeted him with folk songs and dance during his official visit. The event symbolized the deepening cultural ties between India and Japan and highlighted the mutual respect and admiration shared by the two nations.
Upon his arrival in Tokyo on August 29, 2025, Prime Minister Modi was welcomed with folded hands and the traditional Rajasthani phrase, “Padharo Mhare Des,” meaning “Welcome to my land.” The warm reception was led by Japanese women, including the well-known “Rajasthani Madhu,” who has gained recognition for promoting the cultural harmony between Rajasthan and Japan. They sang the soulful Rajasthani folk bhajan “Vaari Jaun Re,” a devotional song dedicated to Guru Mahima, which Modi acknowledged with applause and a warm smile.
The welcome also featured performances of classical Indian dances such as Mohiniyattam, Kathak, Bharatnatyam, and Odissi by Japanese artists, showcasing a beautiful blend of Indian heritage and Japanese appreciation. One of the performers, who has more than 25 years of experience in Mohiniyattam, expressed pride in presenting the dance as a group performance for the Indian Prime Minister.
PM Modi expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the cultural displays and lauded the Indian community in Japan for their role in preserving Indian cultural roots while contributing meaningfully to Japanese society. He described his visit as an opportunity to enhance the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between India and Japan, focusing on economic cooperation, regional peace, and global security.
The cultural reception not only underscored Modi’s visit’s diplomatic importance but also symbolized the growing people-to-people connections and mutual respect between the countries. Japanese performers also recited Sanskrit mantras, including the Gayatri Mantra, further emphasizing their reverence for Indian culture and spiritual heritage.
This event preceded key bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, aimed at strengthening India-Japan ties in technology, defense, and trade. The visit marks the eighth time PM Modi has traveled to Japan since taking office in 2014 and the first bilateral summit with Ishiba.
The heartfelt Rajasthani folk reception in Tokyo reflected the powerful link between cultural diplomacy and international relations, opening new avenues for cooperation and friendship between India and Japan.
