Japan’s Ambassador Embraces Diwali

Japan’s Ambassador to India, Ono Keiichi, is all set to celebrate Diwali this year with the joy and enthusiasm befitting one of India’s most vibrant festivals. Having arrived in the country just a week before Diwali last year, he missed the chance to partake in the festival then; but now, in his second Diwali in India, he is immersing himself in the celebrations.

Dressed in a traditional Indian kurta-pajama paired with a bundi jacket, Ambassador Ono recently joined with embassy staff to light diyas, create rangoli with flowers, and savor festive sweets. His appearance, complete with boondi laddoos, symbolizes the blending of Indian tradition and diplomatic warmth.

What makes this celebration even more special is the subtle cultural exchange: alongside diyas, the ambassador posed with Japanese dolls, tying together elements from both nations in a visual narrative of friendship and respect.

It’s not just about ritual or symbolism. His participation reflects how foreign diplomats often become part of the cultural fabric of their host country. In adopting Indian festive customs and expressing interest in things like sweets and rituals, Ambassador Ono is deepening people-to-people connections.

India and Japan share a long history of diplomatic and cultural ties. Ambassador Ono’s gesture of embracing Diwali would resonate with Indian audiences, showing that festivals can bridge cultures beyond language and diplomacy. It also aligns well with the practice of using soft diplomacy, where symbolic gestures and shared celebrations play a role in strengthening bonds.

That said, the ambassador’s experience last year likely adds meaning to his celebrations now. Missing the festival may have made him appreciate the warmth and significance of Diwali more. In this light, his eagerness to be part of the festivities this time carries a personal as well as diplomatic dimension.

This year’s early Diwali program at the embassy signals optimism and anticipation. For many Indians, festival sweets, lamps, rangoli, and gatherings are core parts of the celebration. The fact that a foreign diplomatic mission is honoring these traditions emphasizes their cultural weight.

At a time when global interactions often feel distant, moments like these serve as reminders that culture and traditions can foster genuine connections. Ambassador Ono’s delight in Diwali sweets, in lighting diyas, and in creating shared visual experiences helps humanize diplomacy and brings warmth to India-Japan relations.