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India Gazette
26-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Leading Indian Academic Dr.C. Raj Kumar and Parliamentarian Dr. Abhishek M. Singhvi Address Members of Japanese Parliament at the Diet
OP Jindal University Tokyo [Japan], June 26: Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU), addressed members of the Japanese Parliament at the National Diet of Japan during a high-level policy dialogue aimed at strengthening India-Japan strategic cooperation. This prestigious event, hosted by the Japanese Parliamentary Committee for World Federation, was themed: 'India and Japan: Partners in Democracy, Drivers of Innovation, and Architects of a Sustainable Future.' In his address to the Japanese Parliamentarians, Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar underscored the growing significance of inter-parliamentary dialogue and academic partnerships in tackling shared global challenges. 'We are witnessing a historic moment where universities and parliaments must work together to shape the future of democracy and development,' said Professor Kumar. 'India and Japan can lead the way--not only through economic cooperation, but by investing in people, knowledge, and institutions that advance peace, justice, and sustainability.' Professor Kumar further stated: 'JGU's presence in Japan's Parliament is a symbol of the power of education to bridge cultures and build alliances. We believe that meaningful diplomacy must also be academic, intellectual, and people-centric.' The highlight of the session was an address by Dr. Abhishek M. Singhvi, Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court of India and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), who spoke eloquently about the shared democratic values of India and Japan and their potential to influence the global discourse. Dr. Singhvi called for deeper collaboration between India and Japan in areas such as technology, education, climate resilience, and global governance, while stressing the need for a peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable Indo-Pacific vision. 'India and Japan are not just allies of circumstance--we are civilizational partners in democracy, innovation, and global responsibility,' said Dr. Singhvi. 'As two of Asia's strongest democracies, our task is to jointly lead by example--through pluralism, through peace, and through principled partnerships for the planet.' The event brought together more than 35 senior members of the Japanese legislature and government officials. Mr. Seishiro Eto, Former (17th) President of the Japanese Parliamentary Committee for World Federation (Acting President in the absence of Chairman Fukushiro Nukaga), inaugurated the dialogue and extended a warm welcome to the distinguished Indian guests. H.E. Mr. Sibi George, Ambassador of India to Japan, was invited to the interaction and conveyed his deep appreciation to the members of the Japanese Parliament, the Government of Japan, and the Indian delegation from O.P. Jindal Global University led by Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar for advancing meaningful bilateral cooperation in higher education and research. Hon'ble Shingo Miyamoto, Director-General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, South Asia Department, expressed his optimism for the fast-growing relations between Japan and India across multiple domains, particularly in the sphere of higher education and institutional collaboration. Hon'ble Kuniko Inoguchi, Member of the House of Councillors, Former Minister of Gender Equality, and Professor at Sophia University, warmly welcomed the Indian delegation. She highlighted her longstanding engagement with India and expressed her enthusiasm for seeing a greater presence of Indian students and Indian knowledge traditions in Japan. Hon'ble Dr. Sukehiro Hasegawa, a respected parliamentary expert and former UN official, welcomed stronger India-Japan exchanges, stating that 'Japan needs Indian creativity and imagination to invigorate its global policies, and for the two countries to become strong global leaders together.' The event saw participation from a broad spectrum of Japanese political parties and parliamentary experts, underscoring the deep, cross-party interest in strengthening Indo-Japanese ties. Distinguished participants included at the National Diet of Japan: Liberal Democratic Party: - Hon'ble Masahiko Shibayama, Member of the House of Representatives, Acting Secretary-General, Former Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology - Hon'ble Kuniko Inoguchi, Member of the House of Councillors, Co-Vice Chairperson, Former Minister of Gender Equality - Hon'ble Fukushiro Nukaga, Member of the House of Representatives, President, Japanese Parliamentary Committee for World Federation; Former Minister of Finance; Former Director-General of the Japan Defence Agency - Hon'ble Rintaro Ishibashi, Member of the House of Representatives - Hon'ble Yohei Onishi, Member of the House of Representatives - Hon'ble Masaaki Koike, Member of the House of Representatives - Hon'ble Jun Tsushima, Member of the House of Representatives - Hon'ble Hirofumi Takinami, Member of the House of Councillors Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan - Hon'ble Yuki Baba, Member of the House of Representatives - Hon'ble Motoko Mizuno, Member of the House of Councillors - Hon'ble Mamoru Umetani, Member of the House of Representatives - Hon'ble Hiroki Saito, Member of the House of Representatives - Hon'ble Shinji Sugimura, Member of the House of Representatives - Hon'ble Sekio Masuda, Member of the House of Representatives - Hon'ble Daiki Michishita, Member of the House of Representatives - Hon'ble Issei Yamagishi, Member of the House of Representatives - Hon'ble Hiroshi Kasa, Member of the House of Representatives - Hon'ble Ayaka Shiomura, Member of the House of Councillors Democratic Party For the People - Hon'ble Kiichiro Hatoyama, Member of the House of Representatives (Son of Former Prime Minister Hon'ble Yukio Hatoyama) Japan Innovation Party - Hon'ble Kenta Aoshima, Member of the House of Councillors Japanese Communist Party - Hon'ble Tetsuya Shiokawa, Member of the House of Representatives NHK Party - Hon'ble Satoshi Hamada, Member of the House of Councillors Sanseito - Hon'ble Yuko Kitano, Member of the House of Representatives Independent - Hon'ble Makiko Dogome, Member of the House of Councillors Government of Japan - Hon'ble Shingo Miyamoto, Director-General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, South Asia Department Collaborating Organization WFM Youth Forum - Hon'ble Koji Mitamura, Chairperson - Hon'ble Kohei Mitamura, President, Mitamura Group (Fukuho Bank Founding Family, Owner of Bunky Corporation entrusted by MEXT, and the Koshinomiyako Media Network) Parliamentary Experts - Hon'ble Dr. Sukehiro Hasegawa, Former Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General - Hon'ble Masakuni Tanimoto, International Committee Chairman of WFM-Japan; Under Secretary-General, Japanese Parliamentary Committee for World Federation This parliamentary engagement marked Professor Raj Kumar's second consecutive address at the National Diet of Japan, following his 2024 lecture on 'The Role of India and Japan in Global Governance.' His return this year reaffirms O.P. Jindal Global University's steadfast commitment to academic diplomacy and its growing leadership in strengthening India-Japan relations through education. The interaction at the National Diet was a powerful testament to the shared democratic values, strategic convergence, and mutual aspirations of India and Japan. It highlighted the indispensable role of education, research, and intellectual exchange in crafting a resilient, innovative, and peaceful future for both nations and the broader Indo-Pacific region. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by OP Jindal University. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
The Wire
26-06-2025
- Politics
- The Wire
Leading Indian Academic Dr.C. Raj Kumar and Parliamentarian Dr. Abhishek M. Singhvi Address Members of Japanese Parliament at the Diet
Tokyo, 26 June 2025: Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU), addressed members of the Japanese Parliament at the National Diet of Japan during a high-level policy dialogue aimed at strengthening India–Japan strategic cooperation. This prestigious event, hosted by the Japanese Parliamentary Committee for World Federation, was themed: 'India and Japan: Partners in Democracy, Drivers of Innovation, and Architects of a Sustainable Future.' In his address to the Japanese Parliamentarians, Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar underscored the growing significance of inter-parliamentary dialogue and academic partnerships in tackling shared global challenges. 'We are witnessing a historic moment where universities and parliaments must work together to shape the future of democracy and development,' said Professor Kumar. 'India and Japan can lead the way—not only through economic cooperation, but by investing in people, knowledge, and institutions that advance peace, justice, and sustainability.' Professor Kumar further stated: 'JGU's presence in Japan's Parliament is a symbol of the power of education to bridge cultures and build alliances. We believe that meaningful diplomacy must also be academic, intellectual, and people-centric.' The highlight of the session was an address by Dr. Abhishek M. Singhvi, Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court of India and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), who spoke eloquently about the shared democratic values of India and Japan and their potential to influence the global discourse. Dr. Singhvi called for deeper collaboration between India and Japan in areas such as technology, education, climate resilience, and global governance, while stressing the need for a peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable Indo-Pacific vision. 'India and Japan are not just allies of circumstance—we are civilizational partners in democracy, innovation, and global responsibility,' said Dr. Singhvi. 'As two of Asia's strongest democracies, our task is to jointly lead by example—through pluralism, through peace, and through principled partnerships for the planet.' The event brought together more than 35 senior members of the Japanese legislature and government officials. Mr. Seishiro Eto, Former (17th) President of the Japanese Parliamentary Committee for World Federation (Acting President in the absence of Chairman Fukushiro Nukaga), inaugurated the dialogue and extended a warm welcome to the distinguished Indian guests. H.E. Mr. Sibi George, Ambassador of India to Japan, was invited to the interaction and conveyed his deep appreciation to the members of the Japanese Parliament, the Government of Japan, and the Indian delegation from O.P. Jindal Global University led by Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar for advancing meaningful bilateral cooperation in higher education and research. Hon'ble Shingo Miyamoto, Director-General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, South Asia Department, expressed his optimism for the fast-growing relations between Japan and India across multiple domains, particularly in the sphere of higher education and institutional collaboration. Hon'ble Kuniko Inoguchi, Member of the House of Councillors, Former Minister of Gender Equality, and Professor at Sophia University, warmly welcomed the Indian delegation. She highlighted her longstanding engagement with India and expressed her enthusiasm for seeing a greater presence of Indian students and Indian knowledge traditions in Japan. Hon'ble Dr. Sukehiro Hasegawa, a respected parliamentary expert and former UN official, welcomed stronger India–Japan exchanges, stating that 'Japan needs Indian creativity and imagination to invigorate its global policies, and for the two countries to become strong global leaders together.' The event saw participation from a broad spectrum of Japanese political parties and parliamentary experts, underscoring the deep, cross-party interest in strengthening Indo-Japanese ties. Distinguished participants included at the National Diet of Japan: Liberal Democratic Party: • Hon'ble Masahiko Shibayama, Member of the House of Representatives, Acting Secretary-General, Former Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology • Hon'ble Kuniko Inoguchi, Member of the House of Councillors, Co-Vice Chairperson, Former Minister of Gender Equality • Hon'ble Fukushiro Nukaga, Member of the House of Representatives, President, Japanese Parliamentary Committee for World Federation; Former Minister of Finance; Former Director-General of the Japan Defence Agency • Hon'ble Rintaro Ishibashi, Member of the House of Representatives • Hon'ble Yohei Onishi, Member of the House of Representatives • Hon'ble Masaaki Koike, Member of the House of Representatives • Hon'ble Jun Tsushima, Member of the House of Representatives • Hon'ble Hirofumi Takinami, Member of the House of Councillors Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan • Hon'ble Yuki Baba, Member of the House of Representatives • Hon'ble Motoko Mizuno, Member of the House of Councillors • Hon'ble Mamoru Umetani, Member of the House of Representatives • Hon'ble Hiroki Saito, Member of the House of Representatives • Hon'ble Shinji Sugimura, Member of the House of Representatives • Hon'ble Sekio Masuda, Member of the House of Representatives • Hon'ble Daiki Michishita, Member of the House of Representatives • Hon'ble Issei Yamagishi, Member of the House of Representatives • Hon'ble Hiroshi Kasa, Member of the House of Representatives • Hon'ble Ayaka Shiomura, Member of the House of Councillors Democratic Party For the People • Hon'ble Kiichiro Hatoyama, Member of the House of Representatives (Son of Former Prime Minister Hon'ble Yukio Hatoyama) Japan Innovation Party • Hon'ble Kenta Aoshima, Member of the House of Councillors Japanese Communist Party • Hon'ble Tetsuya Shiokawa, Member of the House of Representatives NHK Party • Hon'ble Satoshi Hamada, Member of the House of Councillors Sanseitō • Hon'ble Yuko Kitano, Member of the House of Representatives Independent • Hon'ble Makiko Dogome, Member of the House of Councillors Government of Japan • Hon'ble Shingo Miyamoto, Director-General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, South Asia Department Collaborating Organization WFM Youth Forum • Hon'ble Koji Mitamura, Chairperson • Hon'ble Kohei Mitamura, President, Mitamura Group (Fukuhō Bank Founding Family, Owner of Bunky Corporation entrusted by MEXT, and the Koshinomiyako Media Network) Parliamentary Experts • Hon'ble Dr. Sukehiro Hasegawa, Former Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General • Hon'ble Masakuni Tanimoto, International Committee Chairman of WFM-Japan; Under Secretary-General, Japanese Parliamentary Committee for World Federation This parliamentary engagement marked Professor Raj Kumar's second consecutive address at the National Diet of Japan, following his 2024 lecture on 'The Role of India and Japan in Global Governance.' His return this year reaffirms O.P. Jindal Global University's steadfast commitment to academic diplomacy and its growing leadership in strengthening India–Japan relations through education. The interaction at the National Diet was a powerful testament to the shared democratic values, strategic convergence, and mutual aspirations of India and Japan. It highlighted the indispensable role of education, research, and intellectual exchange in crafting a resilient, innovative, and peaceful future for both nations and the broader Indo-Pacific region. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with O.P. Jindal Global University and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.).
The Print
26-05-2025
- Politics
- The Print
‘Pakistan completely exposed': Sanjay Jha on meeting with Japanese lawmakers after Op Sindoor
While speaking with ANI, Jha said, 'We met many of the Japanese parliamentarians (members of the National Diet of Japan) today and everyone is supporting us in the fight against terrorism… We have shown them the photographs of how Pakistani generals attended the funerals of the terrorists.' During discussions with members of Japan's National Diet, Jha said that the delegation presented evidence, including photographs of Pakistani generals attending funerals of known terrorists. Tokyo: JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, who is leading a multi-party delegation to Japan and other East Asian countries as part of India's global outreach against terrorism, said on Friday that the delegation received strong support from Japanese lawmakers in the fight against terrorism. He added, 'Pakistan is completely exposed now, its 'victim card' is exposed now, the people worldwide understand Pakistan's state-sponsored terrorism. We have told them about the statement of the Pakistani Army chief, people here were not much aware of his 'pravachan' (preachings) on the two-nation theory.' Meanwhile, sharing a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Japan said, 'All-Party Delegation from India interacted with the Japan-India Parliamentary Friendship League led by Chairman H.E. Mr. Yasutoshi Nishimura. India's resolute stance of zero tolerance towards terrorism was conveyed. Members of the league expressed support for India's resolve to counter cross border terrorism.' Earlier in the day, Sanjay Kumar Jha stated that India would make no distinction between terrorists and country which promoted them. Speaking at an outreach event in Tokyo, Jha said, 'India, along with countries like Japan, have zero tolerance for terrorism. To implement this, India will not make any distinction hereafter between terrorists and the country that promotes them. We will not accept any nuclear blackmail. Any further terrorist incident will be met by India with resolute and decisive military action.' He stated that the delegation had come together to convey the message that the fight against terrorism was not just or India, but for the entire world. He further stated that Japan was a special and strategic partner of India and both countries were bound by values of democracy and press freedom. 'The entire delegation has come together on one issue to convey our message to the world that the fight against terrorism is not only for India, it is for the entire world…I wish to affirm that Japan is a special and strategic partner of India, and both countries are bound by similar values such as democracy and press freedom. We had an extremely fruitful meeting with the Foreign Minister and former Prime Minister yesterday. Now we have just met the speaker of the Japanese Parliament. All of them have condemned the terrorist incident that took place in April in Jammu and Kashmir and have expressed solidarity with India. India is extremely grateful to Japan for this,' Jha said. Jha and other delegates held a meeting with Japan's Former Defence Minister Minoru Kihara and Shinako Tsuchiya, Director General of the International Bureau, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). During the meeting, Members of Parliament reiterated India's strong resolve to fight every form of terrorism. (ANI) This report is auto-generated from ANI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content. Also Read: Sanjay Jha-led all-party delegation arrives in Tokyo to highlight India's fight against terrorism
Japan Forward
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Japan Forward
Reclaim Your Right to Vote in this Centennial Year
このページを 日本語 で読む May 2025 marks 100 years since the promulgation of the Universal Manhood Suffrage Act. That law abolished tax payment requirements for voting. It gave all males over the age of 25 the right to vote in elections for the House of Representatives. Elections are the bedrock of democracy. Voters entrust the creation of laws, administration, and other public duties to Diet members, prefectural assembly members, and heads of local governments that they have elected. We should take this centenary as an opportunity to remind ourselves of the importance of voting. The National Diet of Japan. The first election for the House of Representatives of the Diet took place in 1890. Its main role at that time was to decide the government's budget. Also, voting rights were initially limited to men aged 25 and over who paid at least ￥15 yen annually in direct national taxes. Eligible voters accounted for only 1% of Japan's total population at the time. However, after the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-95 and the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-05, the idea became widespread that it was wrong for men who risked their lives to protect their country not to have a say in politics. Then, in the Taisho era (1912-26), a national movement calling for universal suffrage arose. The result was that on May 5, 1925, the Universal Manhood Suffrage Act was promulgated, abolishing the tax payment requirement. After World War II ended, in December 1945, the Act was revised to give men and women over the age of 20 the right to vote. The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of that momentous event. Over the last century, the ratio of eligible voters to the total population has also risen steadily. Initially merely 1%, the ratio rose to about 20% with the promulgation of the Universal Manhood Suffrage Law in 1925. It expanded further to about 50% in 1945 with the postwar changes. Then, in 2016, the minimum voting age was lowered to 18 years old. As a result, the proportion of voters in the total population of Japanese citizens now stands at over 80%. Voters at a polling station in Setagaya Ward inTokyo. (©Sankei by Kenji Suzuki） What is unfortunate is that even though the right to vote has been expanded, voter turnout has been plummeting. The turnout rate for the 1946 House of Representatives election was 72.08%. However, it was only 53.85% for the 2024 House of Representatives election. This means that nearly one out of every two eligible voters has abandoned their right to vote. That is a problem for an avowedly democratic nation. There are many countries, such as Belgium and Australia, where voting is compulsory, and those who do not vote are penalized. Voter turnout in these countries is close to 90%. Ideally, however, people should be motivated to vote and become involved in politics on their own. For better or worse, politics acts as a mirror for a nation. If people are unhappy with political parties and politicians, they should use their votes to make that clear. Complaints by people who did not exercise their right to vote lack persuasiveness. The late Konosuke Matsushita, founder of Matsushita Electric Industrial (now Panasonic), once wrote the following warning about the public becoming bystanders in politics. He published it in the magazine PHP , which he also founded. He said: As long as the public ridicules politics, they will get only politics worthy of ridicule. Upper House elections are coming up in this summer of 2025. Not exercising your right to vote should not be an option. Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun このページを 日本語 で読む
Roya News
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Roya News
Crown Prince meets with Jordanian-Japanese Parliamentary Friendship Committee
His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, in Tokyo on Thursday, met with the chairman and members of the Jordanian-Japanese Parliamentary Friendship Committee, which includes the Japanese ministers of environment and justice. The Crown Prince noted the deep-rooted ties between Jordan and Japan, which have been built on mutual respect and shared values for more than 70 years. His Royal Highness also stressed the importance of enhancing joint cooperation and expanding relations between the two countries and peoples, praising the committee's role in achieving this. The Crown Prince commended Japan's support of efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region, on the basis of the two-state solution, and its support to humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza. The committee, which was established in 1999 and consists of 18 members of the National Diet of Japan, works to deepen diplomatic and parliamentary relations between Jordan and Japan.
