Historic Unveiling of 3 m-high grand equestrian statue of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Tokyo. On March 8, 2025 — A landmark moment in Indo-Japanese cultural relations unfolded as the Indo-Japan Shiv Swaraj Rath Yatra and the One India Festival 2025 culminated in the grand unveiling of the first-ever 3-meter-high equestrian statue of the legendary Indian hero, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, in Japan. The event was organized by the Edogawa India Culture Center (EICC) and the All-Japan Association of Indians (AJAI), and the grand statue was presented by the Amhi Punekar Foundation.
Held at Kasai Civic Hall in Tokyo, the event drew hundreds of attendees, including Indian and Japanese dignitaries, scholars, and members of the Indian diaspora. The majestic statue was unveiled by Swami Govinddev Giri Maharaj in a moving ceremony that marked a new chapter in cross-cultural celebration and solidarity.
The audience was enchanted by Swami Govinddev Giri Maharaj’s wonderful speech on the life and principles of Shivaji Maharaj. Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Shri Eknath Shinde ji offered a video message to the attendees, whereas Industrial Minister Shri Udya Samant ji offered full support towards the event. Mr. Takeshi Saito, Mayor of Tokyo Edogawa City, sent his message to the Indian community as he had to attend another event.
A Journey Across Continents
The statue’s arrival in Japan was the result of an extraordinary journey. Covering over 8,500 kilometers across India, the Shiv Swaraj Rath Yatra traversed 13 states and more than 50 cities, touching the lives of an estimated 3 million people. The journey continued across 8,000 kilometers overseas and has already earned recognition in the London Book of World Records for its unprecedented scope and scale.
Crafted by renowned sculptor Vivek Khatavkar, the statue met with wide acclaim across India, with royal families, Ministers, and Members of Parliament paying tribute to the legacy it represents. In conjunction with the unveiling, rare artifacts dating from the 1620s to the 1850s were exhibited in Japan for the first time, adding a unique historical dimension to the occasion.
Collaboration on a Global Scale
Key institutions supported the event, including the Government of Maharashtra, the Department of Tourism, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Bureaucratic officers from JICA and Tokyo Edogawa City attended the event. Over 30 Indian organizations in Japan, alongside several international organizations, lent their support, making the festival a remarkable example of bilateral collaboration.
Eighty guests traveled from India to witness the historic moment, and the enthusiasm among the local Indian community was overwhelming. Tickets to the event were fully booked in under 24 hours. Hundreds of volunteers worked tirelessly to bring the event to life.
Culture, Celebration, and Community
The festivities featured a traditional Palkhi (palanquin) procession, accompanied by thunderous drumbeats and lezim performances that captured the spirit of Maharashtra. Colorful cultural performances from 15 regions of India added vibrancy to the occasion, and a tribute to women’s empowerment aligned with International Women’s Day. A group of Kathak dancers led by Tejaswini Sathe of Tanz mesmerized the audience with their exceptionally synchronized dance performance.
An exhibition of true copies of paintings of the Maratha Empire from the 1620s to the 1850s was inaugurated by the MLAs Ikuko Tanoue sensei, Yumi Mamiya sensei, and Masakazu Iwata sensei from Tokyo. Bharat Itihaas Sanshodhak Mandal and Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute gifted these paintings and other articles. An art competition inspired younger generations to connect with the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj as they immersed themselves in drawing the painting of the hero. Guests were treated to a specially curated lunch box with delicacies from seven Indian states. The audience rated this effort as a master class, as they could witness the diversity of Indian culture and feel the inclusivity at the same time.
Awards Ceremony
Prominent contributors to the Indian community in Japan were awarded at the festival. Indo-Japan social service bhushan award to Shri APS Mani, philosophy bhushan award to Swami Medhasananda, history bhushan award to Shri Atsushi Matsuo, education bhushan award to Smt. Nirmal Jain, business bhushan award to Shri Nitin Datar, and community bhushan award to Shri T. Kurenchiselvam and Shri Tomonobu Yamada at the hands of Swami Govinddev Giri Maharaj.
A Vision for the Future
Beyond celebration, the event laid the foundations for long-term cultural and educational exchange. AJAI announced the establishment of India Center Tokyo (ICT), a multi-purpose hall with a 500-person seating capacity, and multiple rooms to support community education and welfare. AJAI is seeking donations and other kinds of support for this initiative.
A new library named after Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is set to be established in Japan, with funding announced by the Government of Maharashtra. Plans are also underway to translate Shivaji Maharaj’s biography into Japanese and to support scholarly research in Japan on his excellency’s philosophies, strategies, and enduring legacy.
Yogendra Puranik, President of AJAI, emphasized that this is only the beginning: “We have made history. We’ve created a monument of unity and inclusion. The journey begins here, and we invite all to join with a pure heart, for a noble cause. The Indo-Japan Shiv Swaraj Rath Yatra will now be celebrated in Tokyo every year.”
Jai Bhavani! Jai Shivaji!
