Japan PM Sanae Takaichi Experiences Indian Culture, Tries Playing Santoor Musical Instrument (Watch)
In a moment of cultural diplomacy during her first official state visit to India, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi took a brief pause from high-level geopolitical discussions to try her hand at playing the traditional Indian musical instrument, the santoor.
In a moment of cultural diplomacy during her first official state visit to India, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi took a brief pause from high-level geopolitical discussions to try her hand at playing the traditional Indian musical instrument, the santoor. The lighthearted moment, which quickly gained traction on social media, occurred on the sidelines of the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit. Images and videos shared online showed Prime Minister Takaichi smiling as she carefully handled the wooden mallets, known as mezrab, to strike the strings of the classical hundred-stringed instrument. PM Modi Announces Japan Business Week to Enhance Ease of Doing Business, Hails Vehicle Manufacturing in India.
The interactive musical experience provided a cultural backdrop to an otherwise heavily strategic itinerary. Takaichi arrived in New Delhi for a three-day official visit running from July 1 to July 3, marking her inaugural trip to the country since taking office in October 2025 as Japan's first female prime minister. Cultural exchanges of this nature have long been a staple of the India-Japan bilateral relationship, used by leaders to emphasize the deep-rooted historical and spiritual ties between the two nations. PM Modi, Japan PM Hold Talks on Full Spectrum of India-Japan Ties at 16th India-Japan Annual Summit.
Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi Plays Santoor During Maiden India Visit
Japan PM Sanae Takaichi tries her hand on Santoor musical instrument.
Ctsy: PMO Insta pic.twitter.com/Jrz9lbPSI4
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) July 2, 2026
Earlier in the day, formal proceedings at Hyderabad House focused on rigorous bilateral negotiations. Prime Minister Takaichi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a comprehensive economic partnership framework alongside a new defense pact aimed at the co-development of military hardware. The leaders also established a joint roadmap for economic security, focusing heavily on stabilizing semiconductor supply chains, quantum computing, and green energy initiatives.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 02, 2026 07:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
