PM Narendra Modi also unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is visiting Hiroshima for the G-7 Summit hosted by Japan, has also been taking time out to try and forge stronger people-to-people ties between the two nations.

As part of this endeavour, Prime Minister Modi met with two eminent Japanese personalities Tomio Mizokami and Hiroko Takayama, who have made important contributions in their respective disciplines, on Sunday (May 19, 2023).

Tomio Mizokami, Professor Emeritus at the Graduate School of Foreign Studies of Osaka University is a renowned author and linguist, and is proficient in Hindi and Punjabi languages. He was conferred the Padma Shri award in 2018 for his contribution to the promotion of Indian literature and culture in Japan.

He presented the widely acclaimed book 'Jwalamukhi'- an anthology of writings from the 1980s by a cohort of Japanese scholars who laid the foundation of Hindi learning in Japan, according to information provided by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Hiroko Takayama, born in Hiroshima is a Western style painter, whose works are deeply influenced by her deep association with India, spanning over two decades. She has conducted numerous workshops and held exhibitions in India, and was briefly a Visiting Professor at Visva Bharati University, Shanti Niketan.

She presented Prime Minister Modi one of her prominent works - an oil painting of Lord Buddha, created in 2022. The artwork is a prime example of the blending of creative styles and the common spiritual history of India and Japan.

According to the MEA, PM Modi stated that these exchanges help to strengthen the links between our countries and foster more mutual respect and understanding. The MEA added that he was looking forward to more opportunities for these beneficial discussions that would advance the development of the Special Strategic and Global Partnership relations between India and Japan.

Apart from this, while in Hiroshima, Prime Minister Modi unveiled a beautiful bronze bust of Mahatma Gandhi on May 20, 2023. Renowned artist and Padma Bhushan award recipient Ram Vanji Sutar tirelessly carved this 42-inch-tall masterpiece.

The Mahatma Gandhi bust has been gifted by the Government of India to the city of Hiroshima as a symbol of friendship and goodwill between India and Japan, on the occasion of the visit of the Prime Minister for the G-7 summit from 19-21 May 2023.

The bust of Mahatma Gandhi resonates with the common principles of peace, harmony, and respect, serving as a concrete representation of the ongoing relationship between India and Japan.

The location chosen for this historic artwork, nestled next to the Motoyasu River, is extremely significant as it represents the principles to which Mahatma Gandhi committed his life: unity for peace and nonviolence. It is close to the iconic A-Bomb Dome, a somber reminder of the devastation caused by conflict, and a destination that is frequently visited by thousands of individuals—locals as well as tourists—who come to consider the important lessons of history.

Prime Minister Modi is in Japan for the prestigious G-7 Summit being held from May 19 to 21, 2023. While India is not a G-7 member, it has been invited to the Summit as a guest country.

After Japan, he will also travel to Papua New Guinea and Australia.