Decoding ‘Arigato Gozaimas’ and Japan-India Relations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Japan saw him use the Japanese greeting ‘Arigato Gozaimas’ upon meeting Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The phrase translates to ‘thank you very much’ in English. ‘Arigato Gozaimas’ is widely used in Japan to express courtesy and respect, particularly towards strangers, seniors, or those providing a service. The visit also included a traditional Japanese Daruma doll presented to PM Modi by the chief priest of the Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple.