Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Monument & Heritage Exhibition in Tokyo, Japan
The first-ever grand equestrian statue and monument of Emperor Shivaji in Japan
Location: Edogawa India Culture Center (EICC), 6-23-11 Higashi Kasai, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo

Indo-Japan Shiv-Swaraj One India Festival 2026 Concludes in Tokyo with Vibrant Celebration of Culture and Friendship

Tokyo, March 8, 2026 — The Indo-Japan Shiv-Swaraj One India Festival 2026 concluded on Sunday in a vibrant and high-energy atmosphere at the India International School in Japan (IISJ) in Tokyo, bringing together members of the Indian diaspora, Japanese dignitaries, scholars, artists, and community leaders to celebrate the shared cultural heritage and enduring friendship between India and Japan.

The festival was jointly organized by the All-Japan Association of Indians (AJAI), the Edogawa India Culture Center (EICC), and the Amarwani Foundation (India), with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Government of Japan, the Ministry of Culture, the Government of Maharashtra, and several associations and organizations across both countries. The event attracted an enthusiastic audience of nearly 500 attendees, along with around 140 performers and 50-plus volunteers, making it one of the largest community-driven Indo-Japanese cultural gatherings in recent years.

A delegation of more than 30 participants traveled from India to attend the event. Among the distinguished guests from India were Mr. Madan Gosavi, former CBI Judge of India; Advocate Akshay Gosavi; Dr. Sanket Kharpude, Member of Advisory Committee, Ministry of Communications, Government of India; and Mr. Keshav Vidwans, Trustee of the Chinchwad Devsthan Trust.

From Japan, the event was attended by several prominent personalities, including Mr. Hironobu Ogasawara, Secretary to the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan; Mr. Masayuki Taga, former Director of the South Asia Division at the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Atsushi Matsuo, producer of the animated film Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama; Mr. Tomoharu Katsuta, representing the Japan-India Association; Mr. Eiji Tokuda, secretary to former Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan; and Shrimati Nirmal Jain, founder of the India International School in Japan, which hosted the event.

Representatives of various Indian community organizations in Japan also played an active role in the festival. Among them were Mr. Niranjan Gadgil of the Tokyo Marathi Mandal, Mr. Sanjib Chanda of the Bengali Association, Mr. Ajay T Peethambaran of Nihon Kairali, Mr. Sivaram Pusapati of Telugu Samkhya, and Mr. Ajay Narula of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh Japan, along with leaders from several other Indian associations across Japan.

The festival opened with a context-setting address by the President of the All-Japan Association of Indians (AJAI), Mr. Yogendra Puranik, popularly known as “Yogi,” who emphasized the need for a platform that brings together the diverse Indian diaspora in Japan under the spirit of “One India.” He explained that the festival draws inspiration from the ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, whose vision of unity, courage, and cultural pride continues to inspire generations.

The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Madan Gosavi, who spoke about the enduring lessons from the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, highlighting values such as leadership, integrity, and the importance of social harmony. His speech resonated strongly with the audience and set the tone for the day’s celebrations.

The cultural segment began with a traditional dinDi performance, symbolizing the devotional traditions of Maharashtra, followed by a colorful palkhi procession. Members of Geeta Parivar Japan then recited verses from the Bhagavad Gita, creating a spiritual and reflective atmosphere in the hall.

One of the highlights of the festival was a series of 15 cultural performances presented by community groups representing different regions of India. These performances showcased the rich diversity of Indian traditions through classical and folk dances, music, and theatrical presentations. The local Japanese drums club Dondoko, led by Mr. Junji Shimizu, performed a heart-throbbing show of Japanese drums, relishing the beauty of fine movements and sound.

Two thought-provoking panel discussions further enriched the festival. The first panel focused on philosophical exchanges between India and Japan, moderated by Advocate Akshay Gosavi. The panel featured Shuichi Nara Sensei, a Buddhist temple chief priest; Kazuya Mori Sensei, representing the Shinto tradition; and Michika Medha Sensei, a preacher of the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita. The panelists reflected on the centuries-old intellectual and spiritual connections between India and Japan, emphasizing how Indian philosophy, Buddhism, and cultural thought have profoundly influenced Japanese civilization.

The second panel discussion explored cultural exchange between India and Japan and was moderated by noted actor Mr. Gopal Dutt. Panelists included Mr. Atsushi Matsuo, Mr. Yutaka Kuroda, and Mrs. Hiromi Maruhashi. Mr. Atsushi Matsuo spoke about the hurdles he faced while making the animated Ramayana movie. Mr. Kuroda shared his lifelong fascination with Indian devotional art, explaining how he collected more than 4,000 paintings of Hindu deities during his 50-plus visits to India. These artworks have been displayed in exhibitions across Japan, helping Japanese audiences appreciate Indian spirituality and artistic traditions. Mrs. Maruhashi spoke about her journey of learning the classical dance form Mohiniattam in India during the 1990s and her efforts to teach the art form to students in Japan for several decades.

The festival recognized individuals who have contributed significantly to strengthening ties between India and Japan. Mr. Sunil Kulkarni, CEO of Fidel Technologies, was honored with the Indo-Japan Business Bhushan Award for his contributions to business collaboration between the two nations. Professor Sakthi Kumar, Professor at Toyo University, received the Indo-Japan Science Bhushan Award for his work in promoting academic cooperation and research partnerships between Japanese and Indian institutions. Mr. Yutaka Kuroda and Mrs. Hiromi Maruhashi were presented with the Indo-Japan Kala Bhushan Award for their outstanding contributions to cultural exchange.

An exhibition showcasing artifacts from the Maratha Empire was also organized at the venue. The display featured carefully curated replicas of historical paintings of Maratha emperors and Peshwas, reproductions of their handwritten correspondence, and examples of royal jewelry associated with the period. The exhibition offered visitors a glimpse into Maratha history spanning from the 1620s to the 1840s, drawing considerable interest from attendees eager to learn more about this influential era of Indian history. The paintings and letters were gifted by the Bharat Itihaas Sanshodhak Mandal, the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, and Mrs. Meghana Sawardekar.

The festival also offered a culinary journey through India, with traditional dishes representing several regions of the country available at the venue. Guests enjoyed authentic flavors ranging from North to South India. Many Japanese attendees remarked that it was a rare opportunity to experience genuine homemade-style Indian cuisine, highlighting the role of food in strengthening cultural understanding and appreciation.

The festival concluded with a captivating musical evening featuring well-known singers and musicians from India, including Mr. Shantanu Herlekar, Mrs. Upagna Pandya, and Mr. Chaitanya Gadgil, along with several other artists. The performers presented a selection of devotional songs and bhajans in multiple Indian languages, filling the hall with melodies that reflected India’s spiritual and musical traditions. Many of the artists had traveled to Japan specifically to perform at the event.

Many volunteers including Mr. Rupesh Bangar, Mr. Aniruddha Chaudhary, Mr. Omkar Bagale, Ms. Vrushali Gorwade, Mrs. Pooja Thakare Sardar, Mrs. Pooja Nagori, Mr. Peeyush Nagori, Mr. Naren Desai, Mr. Anil Wath, Mr. Nilesh Pathade, Mrs. Shraddha Chavan Patil, Mr. Adarsh Raje Bankar, Mrs. Vividha Bhopre, Mr. Deven Pahinkar, Mrs. Namita Sali, Mr. Abhishek Sali, Ayan Sali, their respective groups, many others and their families poured their hearts into the preparation for the festival.

The event was sponsored by Fidel Technologies, Indian home food restaurant Reka, International Economic Research Institute, KIC Travel, Sepia Innovations Inc., Skyzen K. K., South Park Kerala Restaurant, Sunny Corporation, Verma Foundation, and Who Knows Chatrapati, Japan.

Reflecting on the success of the festival, Mr. Sreekumar B. A., Vice President of the All-Japan Association of Indians (AJAI), remarked that the event brought together India's diverse cultural expressions on a single stage. “The content and quality of the festival were both diverse and rich, truly representing the spirit of India. The One India Festival will continue to embody the teachings of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and many other great leaders and saints of India, while bringing together the Indian diaspora in Japan,” he said.

As the festival came to a close, participants expressed hope that the Indo-Japan Shiv-Swaraj One India Festival would grow into an annual platform celebrating cultural unity, historical awareness, and the strengthening bonds between India and Japan.

Historic Unveiling of 3m high grand equestrian statue of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Tokyo

Tokyo, March 8, 2025 — A landmark moment in Indo-Japanese cultural relations unfolded as the Indo-Japan Shiv Swaraj Rath Yatra and the One India Festival 2025 culminated in the grand unveiling of the first-ever 3-meter-high equestrian statue of the legendary Indian hero, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, in Japan. The event was organized by the Edogawa India Culture Center (EICC) and the All-Japan Association of Indians (AJAI), and the grand statue was presented by the Amhi Punekar Foundation.

Held at Kasai Civic Hall in Tokyo, the event drew hundreds of attendees, including Indian and Japanese dignitaries, scholars, and members of the Indian diaspora. The majestic statue was unveiled by Swami Govinddev Giri Maharaj in a moving ceremony that marked a new chapter in cross-cultural celebration and solidarity. 

The audience was enchanted by Swami Govinddev Giri Maharaj's wonderful speech on the life and principles of Shivaji Maharaj. Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Shri Eknath Shinde ji offered a video message to the attendees, whereas Industrial Minister Shri Udya Samant ji offered full support towards the event. Mr. Takeshi Saito, Mayor of Tokyo Edogawa City, sent his message to the Indian community as he had to attend another event.

A Journey Across Continents

The statue’s arrival in Japan was the result of an extraordinary journey. Covering over 8,500 kilometers across India, the Shiv Swaraj Rath Yatra traversed 13 states and more than 50 cities, touching the lives of an estimated 3 million people. The journey continued across 8,000 kilometers overseas and has already earned recognition in the London Book of World Records for its unprecedented scope and scale.

Crafted by renowned sculptor Vivek Khatavkar, the statue met with wide acclaim across India, with royal families, Ministers, and Members of Parliament paying tribute to the legacy it represents. In conjunction with the unveiling, rare artifacts dating from the 1620s to the 1850s were exhibited in Japan for the first time, adding a unique historical dimension to the occasion.

Collaboration on a Global Scale

Key institutions supported the event, including the Government of Maharashtra, the Department of Tourism, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Bureaucratic officers from JICA and Tokyo Edogawa City attended the event. Over 30 Indian organizations in Japan, alongside several international organizations, lent their support, making the festival a remarkable example of bilateral collaboration.

Eighty guests traveled from India to witness the historic moment, and the enthusiasm among the local Indian community was overwhelming. Tickets to the event were fully booked in under 24 hours. Hundreds of volunteers worked tirelessly to bring the event to life.

Culture, Celebration, and Community

The festivities featured a traditional Palkhi (palanquin) procession, accompanied by thunderous drumbeats and lezim performances that captured the spirit of Maharashtra. Colorful cultural performances from 15 regions of India added vibrancy to the occasion, and a tribute to women’s empowerment aligned with International Women’s Day. A group of Kathak dancers led by Tejaswini Sathe of Tanz mesmerized the audience with their exceptionally synchronized dance performance. 

An exhibition of true copies of paintings of the Maratha Empire from the 1620s to the 1850s was inaugurated by the MLAs Ikuko Tanoue sensei, Yumi Mamiya sensei, and Masakazu Iwata sensei from Tokyo. Bharat Itihaas Sanshodhak Mandal and Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute gifted these paintings and other articles. An art competition inspired younger generations to connect with the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj as they immersed themselves in drawing the painting of the hero. Guests were treated to a specially curated lunch box with delicacies from seven Indian states. The audience rated this effort as a master class, as they could witness the diversity of Indian culture and feel the inclusivity at the same time.

Awards Ceremony

Prominent contributors to the Indian community in Japan were awarded at the festival. Indo-Japan social service bhushan award to Shri APS Mani, philosophy bhushan award to Swami Medhasananda, history bhushan award to Shri Atsushi Matsuo, education bhushan award to Smt. Nirmal Jain, business bhushan award to Shri Nitin Datar, and community bhushan award to Shri T. Kurenchiselvam and Shri Tomonobu Yamada at the hands of Swami Govinddev Giri Maharaj.

A Vision for the Future

Beyond celebration, the event laid the foundations for long-term cultural and educational exchange. AJAI announced the establishment of India Center Tokyo (ICT), a multi-purpose hall with a 500-person seating capacity, and multiple rooms to support community education and welfare. AJAI is seeking donations and other kinds of support for this initiative. 

A new library named after Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is set to be established in Japan, with funding announced by the Government of Maharashtra. Plans are also underway to translate Shivaji Maharaj’s biography into Japanese and to support scholarly research in Japan on his excellency's philosophies, strategies, and enduring legacy.

Yogendra Puranik, President of AJAI, emphasized that this is only the beginning: “We have made history. We’ve created a monument of unity and inclusion. The journey begins here, and we invite all to join with a pure heart, for a noble cause. The Indo-Japan Shiv Swaraj Rath Yatra will now be celebrated in Tokyo every year.”

Jai Bhavani! Jai Shivaji!

• Yatra in India - Hemant Jadhav, Uttamrao Mandhare, Sunil Patil, Vishal Patil, Mandar Sugwekar, Mandar Shendge and many more

• Visitors from India: Aishwarya Sane, Ajay Shinde, Anand Pimpalkar, Anupama Raskar, Archana Pangaonkar, Arundhati Abhyankar, Ashish Hingmire, Baban Patil, Balasaheb Patil, Bapu Mengade, Bhakti Zalki, Bharatbhai Borse, Bipin Thorat, Dattatray Doifode, Dhairyashil Tayde, Dilip Barate, Durgesh Bamne, Gaurav Futane, Harish Darekar, Harshwardhan Pawar, Hemant Jadhav, Isha Oza, Jagdish Shirke, Jayashree Shinde, Keshav Vidhwans, Kirti Thorat, Madhav Pangaonkar, Meena Barate, Meera Kagde, Mehul Chauhan, Milind Pawar, Navin Kale, Pandurang Pangaonkar, Prajakta Pawar, Prakash Soman, Pranav Pimpalkar, Pravinkumar Gaikwad, Purva Jadhav, Rahul Puranik, Rahul Sharma, Rajaram Gavhane, Rajendra Ghadge, Reva Joshi, Sandeep Jadhav, Sanjeev Chavan, Sanjeev Phadtare, Sanket Kharpude, Santosh Walunjkar, Santoshkumar Raskar, Shailesh Kale, Sheetal Sadavarte, Shibani Joshi, Shivram Mengade, Shobha Darekar, Shrikant Barate, Shri Shri Shri 1008 Paramhamsa Kalidas Baba, Shruti Mengde, Shubham Bhosle, Sindhu Barate, Sucheta Gavande, Sunilbhai Patil, Swami Govindadev Giri Maharaj, Swati Kashid, Tejaswini Sathe, Tushar Pachunkar, Urmee Kulkarni, Uttam Mandhare, Vaishali Khatavkar, Varsha Pawar, Viraj Khatavkar, Vishal Madhavi, Vivek Khatavkar, Yogesh Chauhan

• Supporting organizations - All-Japan Association of Indians (AJAI, Japan), Aamhi Punekar (Pune, India), Bengali Association of Tokyo, Japan (BATJ, Japan), Bhandarkar Institute of Oriental Research (Pune, India), Bharat Itihaas Sanshodhak Mandal (Pune, India), Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Smarak Samiti (India), Chinchwad Devsthan Trust, Department of Tourism (Govt. of Maharashtra, India), Desai Foods (Japan), Durg Foundation (India), Edogawa India Culture center (EICC, Japan), Fidel Technologies, Govindas Indian Restaurant (Japan), Indian Bengal Cultural Association Japan (IBCAJ), Indiyumm restaurant (Japan), Indo-Nihon Talent Group (INTAG, Japan), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA, Japan), Japan Telugu Samakhya (Japan), Kobe Marathi Mandal (Japan), Maratha Business Forum (India), Nihon Indians (Japan), Nihon Kairali (Japan), Odisha Community Japan, Tokyo (OCJT), Raigad Charitable Foundation (Satara, India), Rajasthan Association in Japan, Rama's Kurti (Rajasthan), Ram Rajya Dhol Tasha Pathak (Nagpur), Shimpi Impact Organization, Reka Corporation - Indian restaurant Reka (Japan), Rian Technologies, Seishincho Cricket Club (Japan), Sepia Innovations (Japan), Shimpi Impact Organization (SIO, India), Shiv Parivar Devsthan (India), Shivaji Maharah Antarrashtriya Parivar (SMAP), Shri Chatrapati Shivaji Raje Charitable Trust (Gujarat, India), Skyzen KK (Japan), Smile Tree Foundation, Southpark Tokyo (Japan), Tokyo Cricket Association (Japan), Tokyo Kannada Balaga (Japan), Tokyo Lezim Pathak (Japan), Tokyo Marathi Mandal (Japan), Tokyo Tamil Sangam (Japan), World malayalee Federation (WMF, Japan), 1819 Inc.

Indo-Japan Samaj karya Bhushan Awards were conferred upon Shri APS Mani ji, Shri T. Kurinchiselvam ji. Indo-Japan Darshan Bhushan Award was conferred upon Guru Medhasananda ji of Ramkrishna Paramhamsa Mission, Japan.

Exhibition of histroric artifacts of Maratha Empire from 1620s to 1840s