Union Minister of Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh began his official visit to Japan on July 14, 2025, with a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi in Tokyo. His visit marks a significant step in strengthening India-Japan textile collaboration and promoting investment opportunities in India’s growing textile sector.
Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi in Tokyo
The visit started on a reflective note. Shri Giriraj Singh paid floral tribute at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, reaffirming India’s commitment to truth, non-violence, and compassion — values that continue to inspire global diplomacy and cooperation.
This symbolic gesture set the tone for a visit focused on building trust and long-term economic partnerships.
Shri Giriraj Singh then visited the Embassy of India in Tokyo. Ambassador Shri Sibi George briefed him on the current status of India-Japan relations, with a spotlight on textile trade, investment opportunities, and bilateral initiatives.
The discussion explored new avenues for boosting Japanese investment in Indian textile infrastructure.
Strategic Meeting with Fast Retailing CEO
In a key meeting, the Minister engaged with Mr. Tadashi Yanai, Chairman and CEO of Fast Retailing Co. Ltd., which owns popular brands like Uniqlo. The conversation centered on expanding sourcing, manufacturing, and retail operations in India.
Shri Singh invited Fast Retailing to leverage the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme and PM MITRA Parks to scale their presence in India. The talks signal growing interest from global apparel giants in India’s cost-effective and skilled textile ecosystem.
Meeting with Stylem Co. Ltd
Shri Giriraj Singh also held discussions with executives from Stylem Co. Ltd, a leading textile trading and OEM firm in Japan. The Minister urged them to increase engagement in India’s textile value chain and benefit from government support through mega textile parks and the National Technical Textiles Mission.
Daiso to Launch 200 Stores and Manufacture in India
In one of the most exciting developments, Shri Singh met with Directors of Daiso Industries. The Japanese retail giant announced plans to open 200 stores in India and start manufacturing cotton-based products locally.
The Minister welcomed this move and highlighted India’s robust textile infrastructure and vast raw material base. He encouraged Daiso to take advantage of the government’s Make in India and Ease of Doing Business reforms.
Roundtable with CEOs of Japanese Textile Firms
The day concluded with a high-powered roundtable chaired by Shri Giriraj Singh. CEOs and top executives from major Japanese textile and apparel companies participated in the event.
The Minister promoted investment in technical textiles, fibre production, and textile machinery. He also emphasized India’s openness to collaboration in high-tech areas like smart fabrics and sustainable manufacturing.
Ambassador Shri Sibi George delivered the inaugural remarks, while Shri Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary (Textiles), presented India’s policy landscape and business incentives.
India and Japan: Textile Allies for the Future
Shri Giriraj Singh’s Tokyo visit has laid the foundation for deepened India-Japan textile cooperation. From technology transfers to retail expansion, the partnerships discussed are poised to create jobs, enhance exports, and modernize India’s textile sector.
This visit reaffirms the government’s strategic focus on making India a global hub for textile manufacturing and innovation.