Japan’s Ambassador Visits Na Ra JAPAN HUB, Praises Its Role in Strengthening India–Japan Ties
Ambassador Ono Keiichi commends Hyderabad-based cultural and educational hub; invites participation in the 75th anniversary of Indo-Japan diplomatic relations.
Hyderabad, India – In a significant endorsement of grassroots cultural diplomacy and people-to-people engagement, His Excellency Ono Keiichi, Ambassador of Japan to India, paid an honorary visit to the Na Ra JAPAN HUB (NRJH) at Asian Suncity, Kondapur, Hyderabad, on Sunday, 16 November 2025. The visit marked an essential recognition of the Hub’s growing influence as a bridge between India and Japan.
Ambassador Ono was accompanied by senior officials from the Embassy of Japan in New Delhi — Mr Kodera Jiro, Counsellor, and Mr Watananabe Makoto, First Secretary. The delegation received a warm welcome from Mr and Mrs Rama Bhadra, founders of NRJH, along with prominent members and supporters of the Hub.
During an interactive briefing session, the NRJH team presented their initiatives, activities, and achievements since the organisation’s inception. The Ambassador was apprised of the Hub’s mission to deepen cultural understanding, enhance educational opportunities, and support bilateral exchange across various sectors.
In his address, Ambassador Ono Keiichi highlighted the shared values that underpin India–Japan relations and expressed his appreciation for the Hub’s sustained efforts to introduce Japanese culture and knowledge systems to local communities. He lauded NRJH for its impactful contributions, citing key initiatives such as Japanese-language teaching programs, training workshops on Japanese productivity and quality-improvement techniques, the promotion of sister-city relations and collaborative urban partnerships, and guidance and opportunities for higher education in Japan.
The Ambassador also showed keen interest in the cultural exhibits at the centre, including displays of Ikebana, Bonsai, Origami, and traditional Japanese dolls and artefacts, praising the Hub for preserving and promoting authentic cultural experiences.
In a forward-looking gesture, Ambassador Ono noted that 2027 will mark 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Japan and extended an invitation to Na Ra JAPAN HUB to participate actively in the commemorative events. He emphasised that community-driven organisations like NRJH play a vital role in strengthening mutual understanding and fostering enduring bonds between the two nations.
The visit concluded on a positive and inspiring note, setting the stage for deeper engagement between the Japanese Embassy and Na Ra JAPAN HUB in the coming years.
