Prime Minister Narendra Modi ended his two-day visit to Japan on Saturday as he presented special gifts to the Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and his wife Yoshiko Ishiba. The gifts were crafted in a way to highlight India’s artistic traditions.
PM Modi attended the India-Japan Annual Summit during his visit and held bilateral talks with his Japanese counterparts. He extended a set of ramen bowls with chopsticks to Ishiba and a handwoven Pashmina shawl to Yoshiko Ishiba.
The ramen bowl set, called Vintage Precious Stone Bowls with Silver Chopsticks, combines Indian artistry with Japanese dining traditions. It features a large brown moonstone bowl accompanied by four smaller ones, along with silver chopsticks inspired by Japan’s donburi and soba rituals.
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The moonstone, sourced from Andhra Pradesh, is known for its shimmering glow and symbolism of love and balance. The base of the main bowl is crafted from Makrana marble and inlaid with semi-precious stones in Rajasthan’s traditional parchin kari style, officials explained.
For the Japanese Prime Minister’s spouse, PM Modi chose a fine Pashmina shawl from Ladakh. The shawl is handwoven and is made from the wool of the Changthangi goat, famed for being exceptionally soft, light, and warm.
With its ivory base and delicate floral and paisley motifs in red, pink, and rust, the shawl reflects the elegance of Kashmiri craftsmanship. It was presented in a hand-painted papier-mâché box adorned with bird and floral designs, representing Kashmir’s cultural heritage.
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On Friday, PM Modi also received a traditional Daruma doll, considered a symbol of good fortune, from Rev Seishi Hirose, Chief Priest of the Shorinzan Daruma-Ji temple in Takasaki-Gunma. The Ministry of External Affairs noted, “This special gesture reaffirms the close civilisational and spiritual ties between India and Japan.”
