Message from Consul-General, Mr. NAKANE Tsutomu
2023/6/1
Message from Consul-General Nakane after 1 year of appointment
Consul-General Nakane
Ellarigu Namaskara!
I am Nakane Tsutomu, Consul General of Japan in Bengaluru.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has encouraged and supported me since I have assumed this position in June 2022. I would also like to thank Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Bangalore, the Japanese Association Bangalore, JETRO Bengaluru Office, and all those who are making efforts to promote relations between Japan and India in the state of Karnataka.
Located on a plateau, at an altitude of 920 meters above sea level with a favorable climate throughout the year, Bengaluru is a coveted location for many Japanese and foreign companies. As Covid subsided, the number of Japanese companies expanding into Karnataka has been increasing by the day. There has also been a report that the number of inquiries for expansion into Karnataka is increasing. Furthermore, as of May 8, 2023, the requirement to submit negative PCR test results or proof of vaccination upon entry into Japan has been lifted, and I believe that this will further expand economic exchange between Japan and Karnataka.
Meanwhile, the interest of the people of Karnataka in Japan and Japanese culture has grown exponentially. The Japanese Film Festival held in Karnataka in December 2022 attracted many young Indians, including cosplayers. The cross cultural event, Japan Habba 2023, attracted over 7,000 visitors, significantly more than the pre-pandemic editions of the event. The popularity of Japanese food has also been on the rise. An increasing number of Japanese restaurants and eateries serving authentic Japanese cuisine, have been established in the city. The Japan Food Fest held offline after a 3 year gap, by the Consulate General of Japan in Bengaluru, in November 2022, was a remarkable success.
Bengaluru is a cosmopolitan city that is culturally inclusive, with people from diverse regions of India and from many countries outside of India, residing in its vibrant neighborhoods. The Kempegowda International Airport having direct flights ply to and from over 20 cities of more than 20 countries, is a testament to this. The Terminal 2 which was completed in December 2022, is already in operation. Japan Airlines operates three flights a week from Bengaluru to Tokyo, and I hope that, in the not-too-distant future, even daily flights could be made available.
This year, Japan and India have been presiding over G7 and G20, respectively. At the Hiroshima Summit that concluded in May, discussions were held on international affairs, including the Indo-Pacific region, and various global issues, which are expected to be carried over to the G20 summit in Delhi in the month of September. A meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors was held in Bengaluru in February, and several other medium and small-scale meetings have been held. A G20 meeting of IT ministers is also slated to be held in August. I believe that this will be the perfect opportunity for Japan and India to expand cooperation not only bilaterally but also on global issues, and Bengaluru, which is already gaining recognition at a global scale, will play an important role in this process.
In context of this growing relationship between Japan and Karnataka, we, the Consulate General of Japan, in cooperation with Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Bangalore, the Japanese Association Bangalore, JETRO Bengaluru Office, and other such organizations, will continue to promote economic activities and cultural exchange between Japan and Karnataka and also promote the safety of all Japanese residents in the state.
I am Nakane Tsutomu, Consul General of Japan in Bengaluru.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has encouraged and supported me since I have assumed this position in June 2022. I would also like to thank Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Bangalore, the Japanese Association Bangalore, JETRO Bengaluru Office, and all those who are making efforts to promote relations between Japan and India in the state of Karnataka.
Located on a plateau, at an altitude of 920 meters above sea level with a favorable climate throughout the year, Bengaluru is a coveted location for many Japanese and foreign companies. As Covid subsided, the number of Japanese companies expanding into Karnataka has been increasing by the day. There has also been a report that the number of inquiries for expansion into Karnataka is increasing. Furthermore, as of May 8, 2023, the requirement to submit negative PCR test results or proof of vaccination upon entry into Japan has been lifted, and I believe that this will further expand economic exchange between Japan and Karnataka.
Meanwhile, the interest of the people of Karnataka in Japan and Japanese culture has grown exponentially. The Japanese Film Festival held in Karnataka in December 2022 attracted many young Indians, including cosplayers. The cross cultural event, Japan Habba 2023, attracted over 7,000 visitors, significantly more than the pre-pandemic editions of the event. The popularity of Japanese food has also been on the rise. An increasing number of Japanese restaurants and eateries serving authentic Japanese cuisine, have been established in the city. The Japan Food Fest held offline after a 3 year gap, by the Consulate General of Japan in Bengaluru, in November 2022, was a remarkable success.
Bengaluru is a cosmopolitan city that is culturally inclusive, with people from diverse regions of India and from many countries outside of India, residing in its vibrant neighborhoods. The Kempegowda International Airport having direct flights ply to and from over 20 cities of more than 20 countries, is a testament to this. The Terminal 2 which was completed in December 2022, is already in operation. Japan Airlines operates three flights a week from Bengaluru to Tokyo, and I hope that, in the not-too-distant future, even daily flights could be made available.
This year, Japan and India have been presiding over G7 and G20, respectively. At the Hiroshima Summit that concluded in May, discussions were held on international affairs, including the Indo-Pacific region, and various global issues, which are expected to be carried over to the G20 summit in Delhi in the month of September. A meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors was held in Bengaluru in February, and several other medium and small-scale meetings have been held. A G20 meeting of IT ministers is also slated to be held in August. I believe that this will be the perfect opportunity for Japan and India to expand cooperation not only bilaterally but also on global issues, and Bengaluru, which is already gaining recognition at a global scale, will play an important role in this process.
In context of this growing relationship between Japan and Karnataka, we, the Consulate General of Japan, in cooperation with Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Bangalore, the Japanese Association Bangalore, JETRO Bengaluru Office, and other such organizations, will continue to promote economic activities and cultural exchange between Japan and Karnataka and also promote the safety of all Japanese residents in the state.
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