Shri Modi's visit to JAPANDays: 04Places visited- Tokyo, Hamamatsu, Nagoya, Kobe, Osaka. Number of functions: 44 People met: Deputy Prime Minister, top Ministers, leader of opposition (and now current Prime Minister), industrialists, bankers, Indian community. |
Relations between the state of Gujarat and Japan have never been stronger than they are today! From partnering in the biennial Vibrant Gujarat Summits to cooperation in mega projects to investing in Gujarat, Japan is at the forefront of helping Gujarat unearth is development potential. This strengthening of relations is the result of the tireless efforts of Shri Narendra Modi for stronger cooperation between Gujarat and various nations of the world.
In July 2012, Shri Narendra Modi embarked on a historic 4-day visit to Japan. During his visit to Japan, Shri Modi met top Japanese Ministers, captains of industry, people of Japan, the Indian community in Japan and even the Indian and Japanese media. Shri Modi’s visit was historic as it was the first time that the Japanese leader invited a state Chief Minister in this manner. A high-powered delegation accompanied Shri Modi to Japan.
Writing on his Blog a day before his visit Shri Modi wrote:
“Japan and India have enjoyed a historical relation as well as a deep cultural bond… Apart from a common administrative culture, both India and Japan believe in liberal societies and democratic governance. Thus, it is hardly surprising that India and Japan have become extremely close over the years.”
“This visit will be surely a ‘win win’ situation for both Gujarat and Japan both it in terms of economic and cultural forms of cooperation.”
Here are the highlights of an eventful, productive and historic trip to Japan.
Warm welcome by Indian and Japanese officials:
On 22nd July 2012, Shri Narendra Modi landed in Tokyo to a grand welcome. He was warmly received at the airport by senior officials of the Indian Embassy in Tokyo as well as senior Japanese officials.
Address to JETRO Investment Seminar:
On 23rd July 2012 Shri Narendra Modi addressed the investment seminar of Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO). He talked about the strong relations between Gujarat and Japan and invited Japanese companies to invest in Gujarat. He added that if the respective strengths of Japan and India combine, they could achieve wonders in making the 21st century Asia’s century.
“Japan has a strength of experience, Gujarat has a power of enterprise, Japan has technology, Gujarat has a talent to absorb it. Japan has a keenness of discipline, Gujarat has a zeal of performance. I am sure our strengths together will deliver the best result and a new golden history. We are connected through our cultural heritage, historic events and belief in humanity. We can change not only Asia’s but world’s future together” – Shri Narendra Modi at JETRO Investment Seminar
Shri Modi meets top Japanese Ministers:
The Deputy Prime Minister of Japan, Mr. Katsuya Okada met Shri Modi at the Prime Minister’s office and the two leaders discussed strengthening ties between Gujarat and Japan. Shri Modi explained the Gujarat Government’s pioneering initiative of generating solar power by installing solar panels on the Narmada river.
In addition, Shri Modi met Mr. Yukio Edano, Japan’s Minister for Trade and Industry. He presented the Minister with a copy of his book on climate change. He met Mr. Koichiro Gemba, the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Shri Modi also met the Minster for Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Mr. Yuichiro Hata.
Shri Modi met Mr. Shinzo Abe, one of the most respected politicians of Japan (When Mr. Abe met Shri Modi, he was in the Opposition. As of Monday 2nd December 2013 he is serving as the Prime Minister of Japan). Shri Modi had met Mr. Shinzo Abe during his visit to Japan in 2007, when Mr. Abe was the Prime Minister.
Captains of Industry, Heads of Leading Japanese Corporations Meet Shri Modi:
In Japan, Shri Modi had fruitful meetings with top business leaders. The top executives, including those from Sumitomo Corporation, Bank of Tokyo, Mitsubishi, Hitachi and Itochu, Mizuho Finance and Kaidanren, were impressed by Mr. Modi’s farsighted vision and strategies for development in the 21st Century.
Shri Narendra Modi and accompanying delegation, on Tuesday, held meetings with Mr. T. Okamura, President of Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (JCCI), Mr. H. Yonekura, President of Japan Business Federation, Keidanren, and Mr. Y. Sato, President of Mizuho financial group discussed about developing industrial and cultural relationships between Japan and Gujarat.
Interaction with Indian, Japanese and International Media:
Shri Modi interacted with the media on 23rd July 2013. He spoke on a variety of issues ranging from business to politics. In a statesmanlike gesture that was hailed across all quarters, Shri Modi termed the labour dispute in Manesar as unfortunate but expressed confidence that the Haryana government was capable of handling it.
Speech at India Center Foundation, Tokyo:
While in Tokyo, Shri Modi met with the members of the India Center Foundation, where he urged Japanese businessmen to invest in Gujarat and join the state’s development journey. He lauded the people of Japan for their great sense of detail, which is a big reason why people of Japan are prosperous. The India Center Foundation, founded to promote stronger ties between India and Japan, praised Shri Modi for his leadership.
Bullet Train Journey and Visit to Hamamatsu:
Shri Narendra Modi travelled to Hamamatsu by the bullet train on 25th July 2012. In Hamamatsu he addressed an Investment Seminar with a focus on the automobile sector.
In Hamamatsu, Shri Narendra Modi met the Chairman of Suzuki Mr. Osamu Suzuki. Shri Modi and Mr. Suzuki discussed a wide range of issues, including Suzuki’s investment in Gujarat. 135 engineers of Indian origin who are based in Japan met Shri Modi in Hamamatsu.
Shri Modi attended a programme organized by the Hamamatsu Chamber of Commerce and Industry where the citizens and businessmen of Hamamatsu had a chance to meet Shri Modi.
Visits to Nagoya, Osaka and Kobe:
The other places Shri Modi visited include Nagoya, Osaka and Kobe. In Nagoya Shri Modi addressed an investment seminar of JETRO. A delegation from leading car making company Toyota met Shri Narendra Modi and they briefed Shri Modi about their company and expanding their industry.
The Governor of Aichi Prefecture province had a meeting with Shri Modi, where he described Shri Modi as the future of India.
In Osaka he attended a Round Table Conference organized by Mizuho Corporation and a JETRO investment seminar where more top business leaders met Shri Modi. The Gujarati community in Japan met Shri Modi in Osaka.
While in Kobe, Shri Narendra Modi visited the Bay Area to see the working of Kobe Port. Shri Modi talked about the similarities between Kobe and Dholera and talked about the importance of ports in the development journey of a nation.
In Kobe, Shri Modi was given a grand farewell was organized for Shri Modi. He expressed confidence that his visit would add far greater value to the relations between Gujarat and Japan. Governor of Kobe-Hyogo Prefecture Governor Mr. Toshizo Ido and the Vice Governor were present on the occasion.
Shri Modi and the delegation returned to Ahmedabad after a successful trip to Japan that has been hailed both in India and in Japan and a trip that scripted a fresh chapter in Gujarat-Japan relations.
