TFP Bureau, Raipur/Tokyo, August 22, 2025: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai marked the beginning of his official visit to Japan with a solemn spiritual gesture at Tokyo’s iconic Asakusa Temple, one of the oldest and most revered Buddhist temples in the Japanese capital. The visit was seen as both symbolic and meaningful, as the Chief Minister prayed for the prosperity, happiness, and well-being of the 30 million people of Chhattisgarh.
The Asakusa Temple (Sensō-ji), dating back to the 7th century, is a landmark that represents peace, strength, and resilience. Considered one of Japan’s most important cultural heritage sites, the temple attracts millions of visitors from across the world each year. At this historic shrine, Shri Sai performed traditional rituals and offered prayers, underlining the shared values of spirituality, peace, and community welfare that resonate across cultures.
Speaking at the temple premises, the Chief Minister remarked, “This temple symbolizes peace, strength, and harmony for humanity. These ideals mirror the aspirations of the people of Chhattisgarh, who wish for progress, prosperity, and sustainable development.” He added that beginning the international outreach mission with prayers was his way of invoking blessings for the success of the state’s global partnerships and for the welfare of its citizens.
A Global Outreach Mission
Shri Sai is leading a high-level delegation to Japan and South Korea as part of the Global Outreach Mission, organized under the aegis of the Indian Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO), Government of India. The mission seeks to place Chhattisgarh firmly on the global investment map, highlight its industrial potential, and open new avenues for international cooperation in trade, technology, renewable energy, and cultural exchange.
The Chief Minister’s itinerary includes meetings with top Japanese business leaders, technology innovators, and government officials. The delegation is expected to showcase Chhattisgarh’s strengths in mineral resources, clean energy, information technology, food processing, and infrastructure development.
Bridging Cultures Through Faith and Development
Observers noted that CM Sai’s decision to begin his trip with a temple visit was a symbolic bridge between cultural diplomacy and economic diplomacy. By paying homage at a site deeply embedded in Japanese tradition, Shri Sai reinforced India’s long-standing civilizational ties with Japan, rooted in shared Buddhist heritage and values of peace.
The visit is expected to add a cultural dimension to the otherwise economic-focused mission, strengthening people-to-people bonds alongside trade and investment opportunities.
Looking Ahead
Over the coming days, the delegation will participate in investment roadshows, sector-specific meetings, and collaborative discussions with industry associations. The mission will also cover engagements in South Korea, where the focus will be on exploring opportunities in automobile manufacturing, steel, and advanced electronics.
Government officials accompanying the Chief Minister said that the visit has been carefully designed to bring back tangible partnerships, attract foreign direct investment, and create a favorable environment for job creation and technological advancement in Chhattisgarh.
With prayers at Asakusa Temple setting a tone of goodwill and spiritual strength, the visit is being seen as a milestone step in Chhattisgarh’s journey to emerge as a globally connected state with a strong economic future.
