Ambassador Ono Visits Ayodhya, Reaffirms Strengthening Ties with Uttar Pradesh

Ambassador Ono offered prayers at Hanumangarhi and Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temples during his visit to Ayodhya. UP India

Ayodhya, July 5, 2025 — In a gesture of cultural respect and diplomatic goodwill, Japanese Ambassador to India, Ono Keiichi, visited the sacred city of Ayodhya on Saturday. The Ambassador offered prayers at two of Ayodhya’s most revered spiritual sites—Hanumangarhi and Shri Ram Janmabhoomi.

Draped in traditional garlands and marked with a ceremonial teeka, Ambassador Keiichi and his accompanying delegation paid homage at the sites, reflecting Japan’s appreciation of India’s rich spiritual heritage.

The visit to Ayodhya followed a high-level meeting between the Ambassador and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow on Friday. The discussion focused on deepening Indo-Japanese cooperation at the state level, particularly in areas such as investment, technology, human resource development, and tourism. “Concurred with Yogi Adityanath for Japan–UP cooperation in investment, technologies, human-resource development and tourism,” the Ambassador posted on social media following the meeting.

Chief Minister Adityanath also shared his enthusiasm for strengthening bilateral ties, stating, “Had a fruitful meeting and meaningful discussion with Mr. Ono Keiichi, Ambassador of Japan to India, at my official residence in Lucknow today.”

Beyond diplomatic discussions, Ambassador Ono also visited the Indian Blind and Para Judo Association in Lucknow. There, he interacted with young athletes, expressing Japan’s continued support for para-sports and inclusive sporting excellence. “Excited to meet future Olympians/Paralympians—and medalists—at Indian Blind and Para Judo Association, Lucknow, UP. Japan continues to support their passion, fair-play spirit & quest for excellence,” he noted.

Ambassador Ono interacted with future Olympians and Paralympians at the Indian Blind and Para Judo Association in Lucknow, celebrating their spirit, dedication, and pursuit of excellence.

The Ambassador’s visit underscores Japan’s growing engagement with Uttar Pradesh, aligning with broader Indo-Japan goals of regional development, people-to-people exchange, and grassroots collaboration.

From spiritual diplomacy in Ayodhya to sport and social empowerment in Lucknow, the visit reflected a multifaceted approach to friendship—rooted in mutual respect and forward-looking cooperation.

Ambassador Ono visited the majestic Bara Imambara in Lucknow, admiring its grand architecture and intricate craftsmanship symbolizing India’s rich cultural heritage.