Like those in other parts of the world, are waking up to India's new image as the "land of IT and Bollywood films".
TOKYO: Known here till now as the land of "Buddha, Mahatama and Chandra Bose," people in Japan, like those in other parts of the world, are waking up to India's new image as the "land of IT and Bollywood films".
The newfound awareness for the rising South Asian giant can be gauged from the fact that over 1.7 lakh visitors attended the "Namaste India" festival here last year which gave Tokyoiites a chance to experience India first-hand at the annual event showcasing the country's rich cultural assets.
"The Japanese people earlier recognised India with sari, curry and the Ganges, but know we know it for its IT and actors like Shahrukh khan," says 30-year-old Hiromi Goto.
Watching Shahrukh Khan-starrer "Mohabattein" eight years ago during a visit to India changed Goto's life. Since then she visited the country seven times and is now staying in New Delhi.
"We are fascinated by Bollywood as it opens a completely different world to us. I wanted to know more about the language and the culture and the more I learnt, the more I loved the country," says Goto in fluent Hindi, adding that Sanjay Dutt is
her favourite filmstar.
Bollywood dances are a key attraction of the Namaste India festival which is thronged by people in large numbers.
The festival is especially popular among the youngsters whose numbers are increasing every time since the last few years, say officials of India Centre, one of the event organisers.
Shahrukh visited the festival in 2006 and the response was amazing, they said.
Visitors at the two-day festival beginning tomorrow will get a chance to experience India's varied flavours -- from tasting Darjeeling tea to feasting on Indian streetfood and traditional delicacies.
"The Japanese show a lot of interest in our culture. There was a long queue of women who wanted heena to be applied on their hands and would patiently wait for hours," said 50-year-old Narayana Devi, who will be at the festival for the second consecutive year.
"They insist that I should apply henna not just on their palms but right till their elbow. I cannot refuse because I feel proud that they are liking our Indian tradition," says Devi, who hails from Rajasthan but has been living in Delhi for over four decades.
The growing awareness for India has led to a spurt in tourist flow from Japan which has crossed one lakh annually since 2001.
"However, it is still dismal compared to the numbers from China which is the destination for over one crore tourists from Japan," said Vibhav Kant Upadhya, Chairperson of India Centre.
"The event is aimed at bringing the two countries together so that they can contribute to each other's growth and to show that India too can give Japan something," he said.
Last year, Yoga guru Ramdev was a great hit at the festival as the Japanese sought tips on stress-free lives.
But its not just the traditional assets, says Goto. "People here now know that Indians lead in IT. Indians, they say now, are good with numbers".
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