Japan envoy's suggestion for eating biryani has a sushi connection. See post
Japan's Ambassador to India, Ono Keiichi, recently shared his experience of trying biryani by hand, reflecting on cultural exchanges during his tenure in India.
A simple plate of biryani became a moment of cultural closeness after Japan’s Ambassador to India, Ono Keiichi, shared his experience of eating the iconic dish by hand, just like his Indian friends do. The post, shared on X, quickly won hearts online, not for its novelty, but for the warmth with which the diplomat spoke about connecting through food. Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu also shared the post and thanked the Ambassador.
In his post, Ambassador Ono wrote, “Tried eating biryani by hand, following my Indian friends. Like sushi, it tastes even better when eaten by hand. I feel I’ve come a little closer to my friends!” The comparison to sushi struck a chord with many, highlighting how food cultures across countries often share quiet similarities.
See the post here:
"Truly heartwarming. I’m glad you enjoyed our traditional food at AP Bhawan today. My best compliments to you all. Just as sushi, sashimi, and world-famous Japanese cuisine reflect a culture of precision and balance, Andhra Pradesh’s cuisine reflects its warmth and generosity through flavour. There is much more waiting for you, and for all guests from Japan who wish to visit our state. We look forward to welcoming you all to your second home, Andhra Pradesh," the CM wrote in his X post.
This wasn’t Ono’s first brush with biryani. In November 2025, during a visit to Telangana, he had shared pictures of himself enjoying authentic Hyderabadi biryani, calling it a memorable part of his travels in India. His latest post, however, stood out because it wasn’t about the dish alone, but about embracing the way it is meant to be eaten, with hands, patience and company.
The Ambassador also reposted another set of pictures shared by the official X profile of the Japanese Embassy. “Team lunch at Andhra Pradesh Bhavan. We enjoyed a delicious and authentic Andhra thali together, full of bold flavours and spice!” reads the caption.
Social media users were quick to respond with affection and humour. Many applauded the ambassador for his openness to Indian customs, while others jokingly welcomed him “one step closer to being desi.” Some users even shared tips, suggesting the best way to mix the rice and spices for the perfect bite.
Ono Keiichi has been serving as Japan’s Ambassador to India since October 2024, taking over from Hiroshi Suzuki. Before his current role, he held key positions in Japan’s foreign policy establishment, including serving as Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and as Japan’s G7 Sherpa during the 2023 Hiroshima Summit.