In Tokyo on Wednesday, Akie Abe, the widow of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, shared heartfelt memories of her husband’s strong bond with India and his close friendship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She highlighted how their connection went far beyond official duties, describing a special warmth where “the two of them could feel each other’s warmth simply by exchanging a smile.”
Akie Abe spoke at the launch of the first-ever Ms India Japan beauty contest, an event organized by Connect India Japan to celebrate cultural ties, elegance, and shared values between the two nations. “My husband’s ties with India went beyond his role as Prime Minister,” she said. “There were many things my husband valued and cared for. It is my hope to carry them in my own helpful way.” Shinzo Abe played a key role in strengthening India-Japan relations, turning them into a Special Strategic and Global Partnership during his time in office. His friendship with Modi dates back to Modi’s days as Gujarat’s Chief Minister.
The beauty contest crowned Chiharu Sakamoto from Japan as Ms India Japan 2025, with Shelley Singh from India taking the first runner-up spot. Akie Abe praised the event’s founder, Nupur Tewari, for creating a platform that boosts people-to-people friendship through cultural exchange, women’s empowerment, and entrepreneurship.
Keynote speakers added to the excitement. R. Madhu Sudan, Charge d’Affaires at the Indian Embassy in Tokyo, and Kazuya Nakajo, Executive Advisor at the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), stressed how cultural diplomacy and grassroots connections can deepen bilateral ties between India and Japan.
The judging panel featured diverse experts, including Tomohiko Taniguchi, who served as speechwriter and special advisor to the late Shinzo Abe; Kazuya Nakajo from JETRO; James Angelus, President of the International Security Industry Council in Japan; Luma Naomi, Miss Grand Japan 2024; and Prof. Rajib Shaw from Keio University.
The evening came alive with cultural highlights: graceful Indian classical dances, traditional Japanese music, and inspiring collaborations. It wrapped up with a gala dinner honoring the enduring friendship between India and Japan.
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