Ahmedabad: Hiroshi Suzuki, the Japanese Ambassador to India, was the main guest at the 11th Japan Festival (Nihon Matsuri) at the Ahmedabad Management Association (AMA) on Saturday. In conversation with TOI on the sidelines of the event, Suzuki recalled his first visit to the state in 2017, when PM Modi invited the then Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe into the city and laid the foundation for the fast train. Suzuki was a close associate of abe for over 15 years.
“Today, Japan and India work closely together in all critical areas – from investments to economic cooperation such as bullet trains. But it also includes cultural and personal exchanges,” said Suzuki. “PM Abe has always believed that Japan and India should take the lead in securing peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond as the region’s largest democracies and our shared core value of freedom.”
The ambassador said the 11th Japan Festival coincides with the celebration of the golden anniversary of the first student exchange between Gujarat University and Otemon Gaikun University.
“The cooperation between Japan and Gujarat goes beyond business… You can enjoy Japan (through the festival) during your stay in Gujarat through films, music and dance to origami and martial arts demonstrations,” said Suzuki.
“Today, Japan and India work closely together in all critical areas – from investments to economic cooperation such as bullet trains. But it also includes cultural and personal exchanges,” said Suzuki. “PM Abe has always believed that Japan and India should take the lead in securing peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond as the region’s largest democracies and our shared core value of freedom.”
The ambassador said the 11th Japan Festival coincides with the celebration of the golden anniversary of the first student exchange between Gujarat University and Otemon Gaikun University.
“The cooperation between Japan and Gujarat goes beyond business… You can enjoy Japan (through the festival) during your stay in Gujarat through films, music and dance to origami and martial arts demonstrations,” said Suzuki.
“Incurable gamer. Infuriatingly humble coffee specialist. Professional music advocate.”
