Ambassador Ono and his delegation from Japan at the Andhra Bhavan on January 20, 2026. Photo: X/@JapaninIndia
Naidu extends an open invitation to Keiichi Ono to visit AP
On an ordinary afternoon at Andhra Pradesh Bhavan in New Delhi, something quietly extraordinary unfolded, not through speeches or formal agreements, but over a shared meal.
What began as a team lunch soon transformed into a moment of cultural connection, as Ambassador Keiichi Ono and his delegation from Japan gathered around an authentic Andhra thali, rich in spice, colour, and tradition. The meal was not merely about food; it was about shared experience, memory, and the quiet strengthening of bonds between two regions separated by geography but united by goodwill.
Posting photos, “We enjoyed a delicious and authentic Andhra thali together—full of bold flavours and spice,” Mr. Ono San said in a warm message on social media platform X, following the lunch, accompanied by a simple expression of gratitude: Dhanyavaadalu.
Those present were delighted to see the Japanese delegation embrace Andhra cuisine with genuine enthusiasm. The spread is served with characteristic abundance and reflects the State’s famed hospitality, where guests are treated not as visitors, but as family.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu echoed this warmth in his reflections. “I’m truly glad you enjoyed our traditional food at AP Bhavan today. Just as sushi, sashimi, and Japan’s world-famous cuisine reflect a culture of precision and balance, Andhra Pradesh’s cuisine reflects its warmth and generosity through flavour,” he said. Extending an open invitation, he added, “There is much more waiting for you, and for all guests from Japan who wish to visit our state. Andhra Pradesh will always be your second home.”
Commenting on the moment, former IAS officer Dr. PV Ramesh, noted the deeper significance behind the lunch. “Andhra Pradesh and Toyama Prefecture, Kakinada and Yokohama, have been sibling regions for over a decade. I hope this fraternal spirit will be revitalised for the mutual benefit of Japan and Andhra Pradesh,” he said, capturing the sentiment that cultural ties often outlast formal agreements.
Greetings also came in from Hyderabad, underlining the emotional resonance of the occasion. “Delighted to see you experiencing an Andhra/Telangana thali, Ambassador Ono!” wrote Sanjay Baru, former Media Advisor to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, noting how food often becomes the most authentic ambassador of culture.
Netizens welcomed the message on X by Mr. Ono. There were some subtle suggestions as well.
Pointing out that Mr. Ono wrote a sentence in Telugu, a netizen, Vakibs, suggested that the AP Chief Minister should written a couple of line in Japanese. While a person suggested Mr. Naidu to convey a few words in Japanese. “Please convey our gratitude to him in a few Japanese words. Since he too wrote a few words in Telugu, it is courteous and respectful on our part to acknowledge that gesture and respond by writing a few words in Japanese as well.”
Another netizen, supertank, wrote a message in Japan. “Greetings to the Japan Diplomatic Office, We sincerely thank everyone from the Japanese Embassy who visited Andra Bhavan to savor delicious Andra cuisine.”
Published – January 21, 2026 10:03 am IST
