Key Points

The Shake Hand Forum in Tokyo saw Indian Ambassador Sibi George and Hokkaido Governor Naomichi Suzuki discussing stronger economic and cultural ties. Both sides explored opportunities in tourism, technology, and small-to-medium business collaborations. Hokkaido’s scenic beauty and film-friendly locations were highlighted as potential attractions for Indian visitors. The event also included cultural exchanges, with participants engaging in Indian yoga sessions.

Key Points: India and Hokkaido Strengthen Ties at Tokyo Shake Hand Forum

  • Ambassador Sibi George invites Hokkaido businesses to India
  • Governor Suzuki highlights Hokkaido's tourism potential
  • Rapidus semiconductor collaboration discussed
  • Yoga and cultural exchange emphasized
3 min read

Shake Hand Forum: India, Hokkaido strengthen ties in Tokyo

Indian Ambassador Sibi George and Hokkaido Governor Naomichi Suzuki discuss trade, tourism, and tech collaboration at the Tokyo forum.

"These are 1500 success stories. I am very happy that this number is growing very fast. - Sibi George, Indian Ambassador to Japan"

Tokyo, May 1

The Shake Hand Forum between India and Hokkaido was held in Tokyo, with Indian Ambassador to Japan Sibi George playing a key role in strengthening ties between the two countries. The northern prefecture of Hokkaido responded positively to his recommendations.

Sibi George, Ambassador of India to Japan, said, "These are 1500 success stories. I am very happy that this number is growing very fast. When I was talking to His Excellency, the governor, whose name is Suzuki, I was told that in India, we have so many Suzuki cars. Anywhere you go in India, you see a society. But it's second. So I have invited him to visit India, leading a business delegation and a delegation of the members of the assembly from here."

Governor of Hokkaido, Naomichi Suzuki, said, "As the Governor of Hokkaido, I am truly delighted by this event. Hokkaido welcomes approximately 2.3 million visitors annually, as it is one of Japan's most attractive sightseeing destinations. In winter, visitors can enjoy breathtaking snowy landscapes, which are among the region's most iconic attractions. With its distinct four seasons, Hokkaido offers experiences that are uniquely different and often unprecedented compared to those in Tokyo or Kyoto."

Satoru Nakayama, Hokkaido Tourism Organisation, said, "The charms of Hokkaido lie in its dynamic natural beauty, rich food culture, and unique traditions. Indian people deeply love cinema, and Hokkaido offers a stunning backdrop for Indian film productions. I hope many Indian visitors will come to explore these filming locations and experience Hokkaido's culture, cuisine, and natural wonders."

In Hokkaido, the Japanese semiconductor company Rapidus is striving to produce 2-nanometer semiconductors. Foreign IT engineers from warmer countries are working there with great satisfaction.

Sibi George, Ambassador of India to Japan, said, "We need to increase the numbers. Increase the number of Japanese companies in India. For that, we need to get the small and medium-scale companies to come forward. And there are the medium-scale companies. These are in the prefectures. Hokkaido has a large number of smaller, medium-scale companies that use high technology. So I am looking at getting these companies to work with India so that we can expand the relationship in terms of number and quality. So, quality and quantity both are what I am looking at."

Indian and Japanese participants shared their experiences practising Indian yoga, which is known for promoting good health and physical strength.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Great to see India-Japan relations growing stronger! 🇮🇳🤝🇯🇵 Hokkaido's technology sector could be a game-changer for India's semiconductor ambitions. Hope more Indian engineers get opportunities there. The yoga exchange is a nice cultural touch too!
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Priya M.
As someone who visited Hokkaido last winter, I can vouch for its breathtaking beauty! ❄️ More Indian films should be shot there - the landscapes would look magical on screen. Hope the tourism push works both ways - more Japanese tourists should visit India's Himalayan states too.
A
Amit S.
While this is positive, I hope our government ensures technology transfer happens properly. Japan is advanced in semiconductors but we shouldn't just remain a market for their products. Make in India should be the focus in such collaborations.
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Sunita R.
The Suzuki car reference was funny! 😄 But seriously, Japan has been a reliable partner for India. Their work ethic and our talent can create wonders. Hope Hokkaido's SMEs find good Indian partners - our MSME sector could learn so much from them.
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Vikram J.
Good initiative, but I wish our diplomats would talk more about India's strengths too. We're not just a market - we have world-class IT talent and startups. The narrative should be about equal partnership, not just attracting Japanese investment.
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Neha P.
The yoga connection is brilliant! Japan respects Indian culture deeply. More such soft diplomacy can strengthen ties. Maybe next time include Ayurveda and traditional medicine discussions too? Japan's aging population could benefit from our wellness systems.

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