Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day official visit to Japan. He was in Tokyo to co-chair the 15th Indo-Japan Annual Summit, on the invitation of his Japanese counterpart Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Apart from the series of MoUs signed with respect to strengthening the Indo-Japan bilateral relations in the domain of defence, security, space research, human resource, clean energy, digital technology, Artificial Intelligence etc. what caught the public attention and stood out was the PM Modi’s unique gifts presented to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and his spouse.
These gifts were spoke about the India’s exemplary artistic capabilities, rich cultural heritage and most importantly, the civilizational history shared between India and Japan.
- Vintage Raman bowls with silver chopsticks
Prime Minister presented a vintage precious stone bowls set with silver chopsticks. This is a blend of Indian artistry and Japanese culinary tradition. Featuring a large brown moonstone bowl with four smaller ones and silver chopsticks, it draws inspiration from Japan’s donburi and soba rituals.
The moonstone is sourced from Andhra Pradesh and it glows and symbolizes love, balance, and protection. The base of the main bowl is Makrana marble ingrained with semi-precious stones in the traditional Parchin Kari style of Rajasthan.
PM Narendra Modi's gift to Prime Minister of Japan, Shigeru Ishiba – Ramen Bowls with Chopsticks
The Vintage Precious Stone Bowls set with Silver Chopsticks is a blend of Indian artistry and Japanese culinary tradition. Featuring a large brown moonstone bowl with four smaller… pic.twitter.com/SIjOs3XZQJ
— ANI (@ANI) August 30, 2025
- Pashmina Shawl in papier-mâché Box
PM Modi presented a Pashmina shawl to the spouse of the Japan Prime Minister. It is weaved from the fine wool of the Changthangi goat in Ladakh and is valued worldwide for being light, soft, and warm. It is Hand-woven by the traditional Kashmiri artisans, and carries a centuries-old tradition once cherished by royalty. The shawl has an ivory base with delicate floral and paisley patterns in rust, pink and red, showing classic Kashmiri design and craftsmanship.
It comes in a hand-painted papier-mâché box decorated with floral and bird motifs, adding to its beauty and cultural value. Together, the shawl and box represent Kashmir’s artistry, heritage, and timeless elegance.
Every gift presented by PM Modi to his Japanese counterpart resonates a story. The story of tradition, culture, incredible artistic skills rooted in India. It also echoes the soft power credentials of India, that’s been hailed all across the world be it Yoga, Ayurveda or the textiles and handicrafts. Japan and India share a strong civilizational relationship from the days of Buddhism and prior to that. These gifts by PM Modi further consolidate the cultural and civilizational link between India and Japan that speaks beyond Indo-Pacific and other geopolitical compulsions of the 21st century.
