Kovind plants Indian Bodhi sapling symbolizing Indo-Japan ties

President of India Ram Nath Kovind arrived in Japan on late Monday as a part of second leg of East Asia visit and planted a sapling of Bodhi tree from India at Tsukiji Hongwanji. Hongwanji is a Buddhist temple located in Tsukiji district of Tokyo.

"President Kovind paid respects at Tsukiji Hongan-ji Jodo Shinshu Buddhist temple in Tokyo and planted a sapling of bodhi tree from India. temple architecture is an amalgam of cultures from East Asia, Europe and Middle East," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

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Paid respects at Meiji Shrine

"President Kovind paid his respects at Meiji Shrine at Tokyo that is dedicated to  deitified spirit of Emperor Meiji. Meiji restoration in 1868 was a watershed moment in Japanese history in which Japan was completely transformed into a modern country," Kumar added.

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President scheduled to attend enthronement ceremony

After concluding his five-day state visit to Philippines, President Kovind arrived in Tokyo on October 21 to attend enthronement ceremony of Emperor Naruhito which is scheduled on October 22. President Kovind's visit marks first visit by an Indian president to Japan in 19 years.  

"President Kovind arrived in Tokyo, Japan earlier today. He will be attending enthronement ceremony of Emperor Naruhito tomorrow," Rashtrapati Bhawan tweeted.

President also visited  Shinto Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. President is also scheduled to take one of superfast trains to visit Kakegawa city on October 23.

(With ANI inputs)

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