Doraemon brings Lucknow, Japan teens together

Lucknow: Ongoing efforts of the UP govt to forge fruitful business ties with business leaders from Japan’s Yamanashi developed a ‘personal’ bond on Friday at an interaction between teenagers from both the states. Called ‘A dialogue with the future’, the programme was hosted by chief minister Yogi Adityanath at his residence.The Gen Alpha adolescents explored each other’s culture and were delighted to find common ground in popular cartoon character Doraemon, as CM Yogi and Yamanashi governor Kotaro Nagasaki watched on. Japanese kids sang the Doraemon theme song, rekindling childhood memories across the group and making even elders exude unalloyed joy. The children from Japan shared what they loved about Taj Mahal, while their counterparts from Lucknow talked about their city and its globally acclaimed cuisine, picturesque monuments and culture.Calling the teens "the future of Indo-Japan relations", CM Yogi welcomed the Japanese guests with 'Ohayo gozaimasu' (good morning). “This is a unique opportunity to make friends. By learning each other’s languages, you can value each other’s culture,” he said. He also told them to pick up the best from each other. “Japan’s strengths in discipline, precision, quality, teamwork and innovation are unparalleled while India’s strengths in its young population, diversity and creativity are unmatched. Together, this can be a force to reckon with,” he said.Japanese student Kazama said: “Indians are very warm and loving.” He said that he was fascinated by the number of motorcycles and cars on Lucknow’s roads. Miyagi Moto spoke about the importance of understanding and respecting different cultures. “I wore a bindi for the first time. it looks good,” she said.Lucknow student Akshara said: “We met as guests but have now become friends.” The cultural exchange soon turned musical. Japanese students performed a song in their language, followed by Lucknow student Ishan singing ‘Kaushalya Dashrath Ke Nandan’.The Japanese students also presented Yogi with origami carrying a message of peace and friendship.Nagasaki urged the students to turn the friendships formed into lasting ties between the two countries.