Konnichiwa Pune 2025: Celebrating 20 Years of Pune–Okayama Friendship Through Culture and Collaboration

Pune, November 2025

Pune will host the 7th Edition of “Konnichiwa Pune”, the flagship Indo–Japan cultural festival, marking a momentous milestone celebrating 20 years of the Pune–Okayama Sister City partnership. This landmark celebration reflects two decades of friendship, cultural exchange, and collaboration between India and Japan.

Organized by the Indo-Japan Business Council (IJBC) in collaboration with the Consulate General of Japan in Mumbai and the Association of Friends of Japan, the festival will take place on November 15th and 16th, 2025, from 3 PM to 8 PM at Kalagram, Okayama Friendship Garden, Pune, a symbolic venue that represents the deep-rooted bond between the two cities.

Evolution Over the Years

What began as a modest cultural gathering has now evolved into one of India’s most anticipated Indo–Japan cultural festivals. Konnichiwa Pune has grown from a local initiative into a bridge of hearts, connecting artists, students, entrepreneurs, and communities from both nations.

Each edition has deepened the dialogue between India and Japan, blending tradition with modernity, and art with enterprise. Over time, the festival has become a vibrant platform where Pune’s cosmopolitan spirit meets Japan’s timeless grace.

Speaking about the journey, Siddharth Deshmukh, President of the Indo-Japan Business Council (IJBC), shared, “Konnichiwa Pune is more than a festival — it is a living story of friendship. Over the years, it has united people through shared culture, creativity, and mutual respect. This 20-year milestone reminds us that cultural diplomacy begins with people-to-people connections and Pune has been a proud part of that journey.”

Special Highlights for 2025: 20 Years of Friendship

The 2025 edition of Konnichiwa Pune holds a special place in the hearts of both Indians and Japanese as it commemorates two decades of the Pune–Okayama Sister City partnership a remarkable achievement in cultural diplomacy.

The festival will feature an array of traditional and contemporary Japanese performances, art exhibitions, anime and manga experiences, and interactive workshops offering visitors a taste of Japan’s rich culture.

From Taiko drumming and tea ceremonies to origami art and cosplay showcases, Konnichiwa Pune 2025 promises to be a multi-sensory celebration of creativity, connection, and cultural harmony. Visitors can also indulge in authentic Japanese cuisine and attend friendship events designed to strengthen ties between Pune and Okayama.

Strengthening India–Japan Cultural Diplomacy

Over the past two decades, the Pune–Okayama Sister City relationship has served as a shining example of how cultural collaboration can evolve into economic and academic exchange. The partnership has fostered student exchange programs, business collaborations, and cultural residencies, all rooted in the shared values of respect, innovation, and sustainability.

Under the stewardship of IJBC and the continued support of the Consulate General of Japan in Mumbai, Konnichiwa Pune has emerged as a cultural bridge that connects the spirit of India’s cultural capital with Japan’s heritage of discipline and creativity.

A Living Expression of Indo–Japan Friendship

This year’s Konnichiwa Pune 2025 will not only celebrate art and culture but also reaffirm the enduring partnership between India and Japan. The event embodies a mutual aspiration to build a future that is innovative, inclusive, and inspired by shared values.

As the festival enters its seventh edition, Konnichiwa Pune stands as a testament to how soft diplomacy and cultural understanding can pave the way for deeper cooperation in business, education, and sustainability.