'Padharo Mhare Des': PM Modi welcomed with Rajasthani song and traditional dance in Japan

Dressed in colourful Rajasthani attires, the women sang and danced to welcome the Prime Minister saying "Padharo Mhare Des" which in English means "Welcome to my land".

One of those women also sang the folk song "Vaari jaavu re".

A separate group of women performed dances including Kathak, Bharatanatyam and Odissi.

"It was such a great chance to perform for Prime Minister Modi. I am very happy. I performed Mohiniyattam, a classical dance form from South India. I have more than 25 years of experience. This dance is an individual dance form, but for Prime Minister Modi, we made it a group performance," one of the Japanese artists told ANI news agency.

Another Japanese artist said performing in front of Modi was like a gold medal for them.

"We performed Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Mohiniattam and Odissi together, on live music... This is the third time I came in front of him, but this is the first time I got to be close to him. This is like a gold medal for us," she told the news agency.

Deeply touched: Modi reacts to welcome by Indian community

Modi said he was 'deeply touched' by the warm welcome he received from the Indian diaspora in Japan.

"Deeply touched by the warmth and affection of the Indian community here in Tokyo. Their commitment to preserving our cultural roots while contributing meaningfully to Japanese society is truly commendable.

"In a few hours from now, will be interacting with a group of business leaders with a focus on adding vigour to India-Japan trade and investment ties," the Prime Minister wrote.

AI to semiconductors: Modi to meet PM Ishiba for bilateral meet

Modi on Friday arrived in Japan to deepen existing partnerships and explore new avenues of collaboration, including in Artificial Intelligence and semiconductors."

"In the last decade, India’s sporting landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation. From grassroots programmes that nurture young talent to creating world-class facilities, we are seeing a vibrant sports ecosystem in our nation. Our government remains committed to supporting athletes, building infrastructure and making India a global hub for sporting excellence," he said.

After arriving in Japan, Modi wrote on X: "Landed in Tokyo. As India and Japan continue to strengthen their developmental cooperation, I look forward to engaging with PM Ishiba and others during this visit, thus providing an opportunity to deepen existing partnerships and explore new avenues of collaboration."

The trip is marking Modi's first standalone visit to Japan in seven years.

He will be meeting Ishiba for the first time for a bilateral summit.

The Indian PM last attended the India-Japan Annual Summit in 2018.

In his pre-departure speech, Modi said his visit would help in shaping the next phase in our Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

"We would endeavour to give new wings to our collaboration, expand scope and ambition of our economic and investment ties, and advance cooperation in new and emerging technologies, including AI and Semiconductors," he said.

During his visit to Japan, Modi will attend the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit.

After completing his trip to Japan, Modi will travel to China.