Hyderabad Japan Festival Draws 20,000, Marks 20 Years of Miyoshi Ties

HYDERABAD: An estimated 20,000 visitors, including students, young professionals, business leaders and members of the Japanese community, converged at Cyber Gardens in HITEC City on October 11 for the 31st Hyderabad Japan Festival, which celebrated two decades of sister-city relations between Miyoshi in Japan and Hyderabad while opening new avenues for youth engagement, innovation and cultural exchanges.
The festival marked the 20th anniversary of the Miyoshi–Hyderabad Sister City Affiliation, a partnership that has evolved over the past two decades through educational exchanges, cultural programmes, business interactions and people-to-people connections.
The milestone attracted high-level Japanese delegations, including representatives of the Hiroshima Prefectural Government and Hiroshima Prefectural Assembly, led by the Vice Governor and the Chairman of the Prefectural Assembly, respectively. A delegation from Miyoshi City, headed by its Vice Mayor and the Vice Chairman of the Miyoshi City Council, also participated in the celebrations.
More than 30 delegates from Japan, Singapore and different parts of India attended the festival, alongside over 30 locally based Japanese residents, reflecting the growing network of institutional and community-level exchanges between the two countries.
Nearly 2,000 Students Participate in Innovation Hackathon
One of the biggest attractions was the India–Japan Innovation Hackathon, which brought together nearly 2,000 students from 450 teams representing 25 educational institutions.
Guided by experts from India and Japan, the participants explored innovation-driven approaches to emerging challenges, demonstrating how collaboration in technology and education could strengthen bilateral cooperation beyond traditional cultural diplomacy.
With Youth as its central theme, the festival placed particular emphasis on developing the next generation of India–Japan leaders.
Another significant initiative was JOY — Japan Opportunities for Youth — which highlighted possibilities for Indian students and young professionals in Japanese higher education, research, employment, entrepreneurship, skill development and cultural immersion.
The initiative sought to familiarise participants with academic and professional pathways that could help them pursue opportunities in Japan.
Beyond education and technology, the festival offered visitors a colourful introduction to Japanese culture through traditional performances, interactive exhibitions and contemporary attractions.
Anime, manga, cosplay and Japanese-language activities drew attention to the increasing popularity of Japanese pop culture among young Indians, complementing the festival’s more traditional cultural presentations.
High-Level Political and Diplomatic Participation
The celebrations also witnessed the participation of Telangana Minister Dr G. Vivek Venkatswamy, the Speaker of the Telangana Legislative Assembly, the Chairman of the Telangana Legislative Council and senior government officials.
The Consul General of Japan, representatives of the Japan Foundation and JETRO Bengaluru, academic leaders, industry representatives and members of India–Japan friendship organisations were among those present.
Their participation highlighted the growing importance of bilateral engagement at the state, city and community levels, particularly in education, investment, technology and cultural cooperation.
Organisers also acknowledged the contributions of Na Ra JAPAN HUB, the Hyderabad Japan Association, the Hyderabad Anime Club and the expanding network of Japan Clubs across schools, colleges and universities in promoting Japanese-language learning and cultural exchanges.
The festival concluded with renewed emphasis on expanding cooperation in education, technology, commerce, tourism, skills and community engagement.
As the Miyoshi–Hyderabad relationship completed 20 years, the event illustrated how city-level partnerships are increasingly providing opportunities for students, innovators and local communities to participate directly in the broader India–Japan relationship.