PM Modi gets warm welcome by Japanese community (Video credits: ANI)

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a unique and spiritual welcome on Friday as members of the Japanese community greeted him in Tokyo with the recitation of the Gayatri Mantra and other mantras.At Haneda Airport, Japanese artists performed cultural programmes, and the Indian diaspora gathered in large numbers to welcome him.Before leaving for Japan, PM Modi said the visit would be an opportunity to strengthen civilisational bonds and cultural ties between the two countries.During his two-day visit from August 29 to 30, he will hold summit talks with Japanese prime minister Ishiba. “We would focus on shaping the next phase in our Special Strategic and Global Partnership, which has made steady and significant progress over the past 11 years,” PM Modi said.“We would endeavour to give new wings to our collaboration, expand scope and ambition of our economic and investment ties, and advance cooperation in new and emerging technologies, including AI and semiconductors,” he added.After Japan, PM Modi will travel to China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin on August 31 and September 1. “I am confident that my visits to Japan and China would further our national interests and priorities, and contribute to building fruitful cooperation in advancing regional and global peace, security, and sustainable development,” he said.