Discover key insights on India-Japan relations, AI, semiconductors, cultural exchange, and strengthening bilateral ties at The Rising Sun Conclave 2025.

Exclusive excerpts from an insightful interview with Nupur Tewari, founder of Connect India Japan, ahead of the highly anticipated second edition of The Rising Sun Conclave, scheduled for February 25, 2025. Dedicated to strengthening India-Japan bilateral relations, the conclave promises to be a dynamic platform for collaboration, innovation, and cultural exchange.

Nupur Tewari, founder of Connect India Japan, sharing key insight ahead of the highly anticipated second edition of The Rising Sun Conclave

Q. The second edition of The Rising Sun Conclave is scheduled for 25th of February, 2025, What are the special areas of focus in the second edition?

A. The second edition of The Rising Sun Conclave will build on the success of the first, which focused on identifying challenges and opportunities in India-Japan relations. This time, we will highlight emerging areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors, which are crucial for future collaboration. 

A key focus will be on Japan’s growing interest in Northeast India, exploring its historical and strategic importance for both countries. We aim to discuss practical ways to strengthen business, cultural, and technological ties, ensuring smoother and more fruitful connections between Indian and Japanese enterprises. 

Beyond discussions, our goal is to foster a spirit of celebration—promoting collaboration with gratitude and joy rather than focusing solely on challenges. This conclave is a platform to unite, inspire, and celebrate the India-Japan partnership every day. Together, let’s build stronger connections and a brighter future.

Q. Could you throw some retrospective on the first edition of The Rising Sun Conclave? What were some learnings from the first edition? 

A. The first edition of The Rising Sun Conclave was unique due to its deep emotional and cultural foundation. As someone born in India and raised in Japan, I have a strong spiritual and emotional connection to both nations. This event was not just a professional initiative but a personal mission to bridge the gaps between the two countries. Having lived in Japan for 22 years, in seven different regions, I have firsthand experience of the challenges both nations face in understanding and connecting with each other.

Unlike in Tokyo, where international awareness is higher, in rural areas, knowledge about India is limited. I recall how some Japanese students initially mistook me for a Native American, highlighting the need for greater cultural awareness. The first conclave aimed to identify these gaps and lay the groundwork for stronger India-Japan relations.

A key takeaway was the importance of spreading awareness about Indian culture in Japan while also ensuring that India understands Japan beyond its urban centers. This event was not just about business or diplomacy but about fostering genuine cultural and emotional connections. It reinforced the belief that India and Japan should be more closely connected, and that requires deeper understanding, awareness, and collaboration.

 Q. The Rising Sun Conclave, a platform celebrating India-Japan cooperation, has truly made its mark. What inspired you to create and develop this impactful initiative?

A. Growing up in a remote village in India, I faced challenges like limited education, walking kilometres to school, and living without electricity or modern facilities. Despite feeling isolated due to language barriers when I moved to the city, my spiritual upbringing—rooted in Swami Vivekananda’s teachings, Vedas, and Gita—guided me through those times.My path took me to Japan, specifically Shikoku Island, a place rich in spiritual heritage. Immersed in Japanese culture without knowing the language, I learned their traditions and values, trained by Buddhist and Shinto monks.

Despite the challenges of being in a foreign land without an Indian community, I embraced Japan, learning its ethics and customs. My career evolved from teaching and volunteering yoga to working with Japanese TV and major Indian media outlets like India Today and Republic. Each experience, I believe, was the universe preparing me for a greater purpose: to connect India and Japan. This led me to create the Connect India Japan (CIJ) Daily News Portal, a platform for news, interviews, and podcasts. With over 400 interviews, I see this work not as business but as a divine duty to unite the two countries I deeply love.For me, India is my origin, and Japan is my heart. India gave me life, and Japan raised me. After 22 years here, Japan is my emotion, my identity, and my home.

Q. How has the Indian community in Japan contributed to strengthening the bond between India and Japan? Could you throw some light on this.

A. The Indian community in Japan has played a crucial role in strengthening India-Japan relations for centuries. It began with Bodhisena, who introduced Buddhism and Indian culture to Japan. Later, figures like Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Rash Behari Bose significantly contributed to deepening cultural and historical ties.

The Sindhi and Punjabi communities in Kobe were among the first Indian business settlers, now in their third or fourth generations, contributing to trade and commerce. Over the last few decades, a growing Indian diaspora in Tokyo and other regions has further strengthened bilateral ties, with some members residing in Japan for 50–60 years. Each generation of Indians in Japan has contributed in its own way, preserving cultural heritage while fostering business, education, and diplomatic ties.

My personal journey—from being born into a spiritual Indian family, studying Vedas and the Gita, to coming to Japan and learning Zen Buddhism under Buddhist monks—has shaped my commitment to connecting India and Japan. This bond has grown over time, bringing together history, culture, business, and spirituality, ensuring that India remains a strong presence in Japan. It is truly an incredible and ongoing contribution by the Indian community.

Q. What are the areas which need significant work to strengthen the bridge between India and Japan?

A. To strengthen India-Japan relations, key areas requiring focus include cultural exchange, student exchange programs, and people-to-people connections. Cultural understanding is crucial, as it fosters mutual respect and lays the foundation for business collaborations. Despite historical ties, India and Japan remain distant in some ways, and bridging this gap is essential. Student exchange programs should be a priority, as young minds are the future of India-Japan cooperation. Encouraging more Indian students to study in Japan and vice versa will create stronger bonds. When students experience a country firsthand, they develop an attachment that can lead to future business ventures and deeper engagement. Unlike older generations who may have fixed perceptions, younger individuals are open to exploration and innovation.

A stronger people-to-people connection will naturally translate into business growth. Initiatives like exclusive India-Japan news portals, magazines, and conclaves are already paving the way, but there is still much to explore. Increased interaction will lead to new business initiatives and collaborations, ensuring a flourishing partnership for the next decade. The momentum is already building, and India-Japan ties are set to grow even stronger. With continuous efforts, this relationship will only deepen and expand, creating exciting opportunities for both nations.