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 the second leg of East Asia visit and planted a sapling of the Bodhi tree from India at Tsukiji Hongwanji. Hongwanji is a Buddhist temple located in the 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. The temple architecture is an amalgam of cultures from East Asia, Europe and the 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 the 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 the Philippines, President Kovind arrived in Tokyo on October 21 to attend the enthronement ceremony of Emperor Naruhito which is scheduled on October 22. President Kovind's visit marks the first visit by an Indian president to Japan in 19 years.  

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

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

(With ANI inputs)

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