On the second day of his Japan tour, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday visited two prominent ancient Buddhist temples in Kyoto – Toji and Kinkakuji – offering prayers and mingling with the common people and tourists. He began his day with a visit to the ancient Toji Temple, which is inspired by the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh of Hindu philosophy.He was accompanied by his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe when he went around the famous temple which is a UNESCO world heritage site.
Mr. Modi was at the temple complex for about half an hour during which he enquired about the history of the eighth-century Buddhist pagoda. While leaving the complex, Modi thanked Abe for accompanying him to the temple and spending time with him. Abe, on his part, told Modi that this was only the second time that he had visited Toji temple, the last being during his student days. The Japanese Prime Minister had specially come to Kyoto from Tokyo to meet Modi and be with him.
Attending lunch hosted by Kyoto Buddhist Association, Narendra Modi said that Kyoto city has been able to incorporate modern day technology with heritage. He said that India is also planning to undertake heritage city program, so he wanted to see things in this regard in Kyoto. He thanked his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe for spending times with him. Mr. Modi said that Kyoto city has been able to preserve the ancient culture despite all odds. He said, India is also planning to develop heritage cities.
Later, Prime Minister Modi attended a presentation program on Kyoto city. Senior officials also attended the presentation. It may be recalled that both the countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding yesterday to promote heritage conservation, city modernization and in the field of art, culture and education between Varanasi and Kyoto. Mr. Modi also met Keiji Yamada, Governor of Kyoto Prefecture and Chief Executive Officer of Nidec Corporation before leaving for Tokyo.
The Prime Minister will attend official welcome ceremony in Akasaka Palace in Tokyo tomorrow and hold formal talks with his Japanese counterpart. Mr. Modi is scheduled to hold talks with senior ministers of Japan, visit educational institutes and inaugurate Vivekanand Cultural Centre during next two days . He will also call on Emperor Akihito on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, India today discussed with Japan the possible means to study issues related Sickle Cell anemia treatment. Talking to AIR Correspondent in Kyoto, Spokesman of External Affairs ministry Syed Akbaruddin said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Nobel laureate Prof Yamanaka in this regard in Kyoto University during his visit to the institute. He said that Mr.Modi also discussed on cooperation among Indian and Japanese institutes in this regard.
