In an era where cultural diplomacy plays an increasingly vital role in international relations, Koji Sato, Director General, The Japan Foundation, New Delhi, stands at the forefront of fostering a deeper understanding between India and Japan. It’s evident that the Japan Foundation is more than just a cultural institution. It’s a bridge that connects the hearts and minds of people in Japan and India, fostering a relationship that is rich in history and full of promise for the future.
With his extensive experience in promoting Japanese culture abroad, Sato has been instrumental in bringing the rich and diverse traditions of Japan closer to the Indian audience. Sato’s vision for The Japan Foundation in India is rooted in the idea of building strong cultural bonds that connect people across borders.
In an engaging conversation with The Sunday Guardian, Koji Sato shares insights on the various initiatives and challenges, future directions of The Japan Foundation’s work in India, and the upcoming Mela! Mela! Anime Japan!! in Delhi.
Excerpts
Q1. To start with, could you give us an overview of the Japan Foundation’s mission and how it functions, especially in the context of its work in India?
A. The mission of the Japan Foundation is quite straightforward: to expand and enhance the sense of friendship and partnership between the people of Japan and other countries, including India. Our goal is to strengthen grassroots-level connections, fostering a deeper understanding between our cultures. Historically, Japan-India relations have always been strong. From the introduction of Buddhism in the 7th century to modern-day collaborations, our relationship has only grown. Whether it’s through cultural exchanges, business partnerships, or educational initiatives, the foundation has always aimed to bring our two nations closer.
Q2. Speaking of history, you mentioned about the significant role Buddhism played in our early cultural exchanges. Could you elaborate on that?
A. Indeed, Buddhism was a pivotal link between India and Japan. Although it reached Japan through China and Korea, the connection to India was always revered. The eye-opening ceremony of the Buddha statue at Todaiji Temple, conducted by an Indian monk named Bodhisena, is a significant event often cited as an early symbol of our shared history. Japanese Buddhist followers frequently traveled across Asia, with India, known as Tenjiku, being their ultimate destination. However, due to the difficulties of travel back then, many had to be content with reaching China or Central Asia. Nevertheless, India was always seen as a treasure trove of knowledge and spiritual teachings.
Q3. How did the relationship evolve during the modern period, especially during the time of India’s independence movement?
A. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the cultural and intellectual exchanges between our countries intensified, particularly during the Bengal Renaissance. Rabindranath Tagore’s encounter with Japanese art scholar Tenshin Okakura, among others, was a turning point. Japanese artists visited Shantiniketan and Kolkata, exchanging ideas and techniques with Indian counterparts. This cultural interaction was profound, leading to mutual influences in fine arts, where Indian artists like Tagore and Nandalal Bose embraced Japanese techniques, and Japanese artists such as Taikan Yokoyama and Hishida Shunso incorporated Indian motifs in their work.
Moving forward to the 20th century, Japan’s victory in the Russo-Japan War inspired many Indian freedom fighters, who saw Japan as a beacon of strength against colonial rule. After World War – II, India played a crucial role in supporting Japan’s recovery. It was India that sought an independent bilateral peace treaty, separate from the San Francisco Peace Treaty, which allowed Japan to regain its sovereignty. Acts of kindness, such as the donation of an elephant named Indira to Japanese children, further cemented our bond.
Q4. How do you see the current state of Japan-India relations, particularly in areas like technology and infrastructure?
A. The relationship between Japan and India remains robust, particularly in areas like engineering and infrastructure. From the success of Maruti Suzuki in the 1980s to the ongoing Shinkansen Project, Japan has been a steadfast partner in India’s development. Japanese engineering is highly respected in India, and there’s a strong belief that adopting these methods can significantly contribute to India’s progress. The concept of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), originally proposed by the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, also highlights the strategic importance of our partnership in ensuring regional stability and prosperity.
Q5. Post-COVID, how has the Japan Foundation adapted its approach to cultural exchange?
A. The COVID-19 pandemic made face-to-face interactions challenging, pushing us to explore online platforms for cultural exchange. While this expanded our reach in some ways, there’s no substitute for the warmth of real, physical interactions. As the world reopens, the Japan Foundation is focused on enhancing people-to-people contact. Our new premises in Green Park, New Delhi, which opened last May, have become a vibrant hub for cultural activities, from film screenings to exhibitions. We have also seen a growing interest in our library, with many new members from the local community.
Q6. There seems to be a growing interest in Japanese culture among young Indians, particularly through anime and manga. How is the Japan Foundation responding to this trend?
A. Absolutely, anime and manga have become significant mediums for cultural exchange. It’s remarkable to see the enthusiasm among young Indians for Japanese culture, which often begins with anime and then expands to other aspects, including language and traditional arts. To meet this growing demand, we have been actively promoting Japanese language education. For instance, we offer a free Japanese language teacher training program for those with a certain proficiency level in the language. This initiative aims to increase the number of qualified teachers, which will, in turn, help more students learn Japanese.
We are also participating in large-scale events like the upcoming Mela! Mela! Anime Japan!! at Pacific Mall Tagore Garden in Delhi, scheduled for September 28th and 29th, which will be one of the biggest anime events ever held in the city. This, along with our ongoing Japanese Film Festival, reflects our commitment to bringing Japanese culture closer to the Indian people.
Q7. It’s fascinating to see such strong cultural ties between our nations. What do you envision for the future of Japan-India relations?
A. I believe the future of Japan-India relations is bright and full of potential. As we continue to deepen our cultural and economic ties, it’s essential to focus on grassroots exchanges. The enthusiasm we see among young people for Japanese culture is a strong foundation to build upon. By providing more opportunities for cultural exchange, education, and collaboration, we can ensure that our partnership not only endures but also thrives in the years to come.