Japanese Ambassador to India and Bhutan, Keiichi Ono, visited Ayodhya on Saturday and offered prayers at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi and Shri Hanuman Garhi temples, highlighting Japan’s growing cultural connection with India.

“Witnessed the cultural and spiritual significance at Shri Hanuman Garhi Temple and Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya. Extend my respectful greetings for the gracious welcome,” Ambassador Ono posted on X.

The Uttar Pradesh government welcomed the visit, calling it a reflection of Ayodhya’s increasing global prominence as a spiritual and cultural capital. “The visit of Mr. Ono Keiichi underscores Uttar Pradesh’s recognition on the world map,” the state government stated.

Ambassador Ono’s visit came a day after he met with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow. During their meeting, the two leaders discussed cooperation in investment, technology, human-resource development, and tourism.

“Concurred with Yogi Adityanath for Japan-UP cooperation. I look forward to fulfilling our collaboration as symbolized by the daruma doll tradition—placing the right eye now, and the left when our goal is achieved,” Ono added.

India and Japan share a ‘Special Strategic and Global Partnership’ built on shared values, economic collaboration, and long-standing civilizational ties. Japan has played a vital role in India’s development journey, with cumulative FDI crossing $43 billion between 2000 and 2024—making Japan India’s fifth-largest investor.

Beyond economics, the partnership also includes growing people-to-people and cultural exchanges. The envoy’s Ayodhya visit reinforces the spiritual affinity that has long connected the two Asian nations and opens new avenues for diplomatic and cultural collaboration.