Leadership transition at Japan Embassy ahead of 75th Anni. of diplomatic relations with India

New Delhi: Four Japanese diplomats, including a new Deputy Chief of Mission and Political Minister, have joined the Embassy of Japan in India as Tokyo strengthens its diplomatic team amid growing momentum in the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Ambassador of Japan to India ONO Keiichi formally welcomed the new officials at a reception hosted at the Japanese Embassy in New Delhi on August 28.

The new team includes Kadowaki Jinichi, who has succeeded Takashi Ariyoshi as Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission, and Jimbo Satoshi, who has taken over from Noriaki Abe as Minister for Political Affairs. A new Political Counsellor and a new Economic Counsellor have also joined the Embassy.

The reception brought together diplomats, senior government officials, business and industry representatives, scholars, policy experts, members of the media and prominent stakeholders engaged in India–Japan relations.

Welcoming the diplomats, Ambassador Ono said all four officials had recently arrived from Tokyo and expressed confidence that they would soon become familiar not only with India’s economy but also with its rich and diverse history, culture and cuisine. He urged the guests and members of the India–Japan community to extend their friendship and support to the newcomers.

“With this new team, we will continue working closely with all of you to further strengthen and deepen Japan–India relations,” Ambassador Ono said.

The leadership transition comes at an important stage in the bilateral relationship, with India and Japan preparing to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2027, which both nationas have decided to tag as “India–Japan Year of Shared Horizons”.

India deserves greater attention: Kadowaki: Addressing the gathering, Kadowaki said he was honoured to begin his assignment in India and looked forward to contributing to the next phase of bilateral relations.

Kadowaki, who arrived in New Delhi around two weeks before the reception, has previously handled senior responsibilities involving foreign policy, international security, China and South Asia.

Recalling his earlier visits to India, he said he had consistently argued that Japan should accord considerably greater importance to the country.

“We should pay much more attention to India and place much greater importance on India, given its significance to Japan’s national interests as well as to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and beyond,” Kadowaki said.

He said Japan and India possessed invaluable assets, shared strategic interests and enjoyed a natural affinity between their peoples. However, there remained substantial scope to deepen mutual understanding and expand bilateral cooperation.

The two countries had a responsibility to advance their partnership not only for their respective national interests but also for international peace and prosperity, he added.

Kadowaki sought the guidance, cooperation and friendship of Indian stakeholders during his tenure.

Jimbo begins ‘new journey’ in India: New Political Minister Jimbo Satoshi described his posting as the beginning of a new journey and thanked the guests for welcoming him to India.

In a light-hearted introduction, he explained that JIMBO was his family name and Satoshi his given name. Recalling his earlier posting in Washington, he said acquaintances there often shortened his name to “G” for convenience.

Jimbo acknowledged the contribution of his predecessor, Noriaki Abe, and said succeeding him would be challenging. He nevertheless expressed confidence that Abe’s friends and colleagues in India would extend similar guidance and support to him.

Referring humorously to advice he had received before coming to the country, Jimbo said he had been told not to be afraid of losing arguments with Indians and to follow the principle: “When in India, do as Indians do.”

He said he looked forward to enjoying his new life and making a contribution to India–Japan relations.

Noriaki Abe bids farewell after eventful tenure: Outgoing Political Minister Noriaki Abe, who completed a two-year assignment in India, thanked Ambassador Ono, his colleagues and Indian friends for making his tenure rewarding and memorable.

“For the past two years, it has been my great pleasure and privilege to work with you and to serve in the world’s most populous and fastest-growing nation,” Abe said.

He described India as a country marked by exceptional diversity, vibrant dynamism and immense promise.

Abe said he had travelled extensively beyond New Delhi, visiting 30 states and Union Territories and 38 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. He was also invited to deliver lectures and participate in round-table discussions on more than 60 occasions.

These experiences, he said, enabled him to understand India’s unity in diversity, enduring traditions and rapidly changing society.

His conversations with Indian friends covered subjects ranging from elections, religions, Hinduism and Buddhism to indigenous arts, handicrafts, cuisine, family life, artificial intelligence and cricket.

Abe announced that he would begin a new assignment in Geneva as a senior adviser associated with the World Trade Organization. He expressed confidence that he would meet Indian officials and friends again during his new posting.

He proposed a toast to the continued growth of India–Japan relations, people-to-people exchanges, face-to-face engagement and “heart-to-heart communication.”

The formal ceremony was followed by warm interactions between the newly arrived diplomats and the invited guests.

A sumptuous selection of Japanese cuisine, including sushi and other delicacies, was served during the reception. Guests were also offered Japanese beverages and liquor, including sake, as they interacted with diplomats and members of the wider India–Japan community.

The reception combined a formal diplomatic transition with Japan’s tradition of hospitality, offering the new Embassy officials an early opportunity to connect with stakeholders who will be central to their work in India