In September 1949, an elephant named Indira, a "messenger of love and goodwill from the children of India," was presented to Japanese children by the then-Prime Minister Nehru and became a symbol of Ueno Zoo. The children's song "Zou-san" (Mr. Elephant), created the previous year in 1948, is said to have been inspired by this elephant.




The 1960 visit was undertaken by the now-Emperor, then Crown Prince, accompanied by Princess Michiko, as a representative of Emperor Shōwa. This autumn's official visit to India by the Emperor and Empress will be their first in 53 years.




The current photo exhibition, "The Emperor and Empress's India of Memories - From an Album of 53 Years Ago," is being held in Japan in anticipation of their Majesties' visit.

Photo Exhibition: "The Emperor and Empress's India of Memories - From an Album of 53 Years Ago"

Dates: Ongoing until Sunday, October 13, 2013

Venue: Mitsukoshi Ginza Store, 9th Floor Terrace Court

Organizer: India Photo Exhibition Executive Committee

Co-organizer: Embassy of India in Japan

Sponsors: The Japan Foundation, The Indo-Japanese Association, The Asahi Shimbun, Indian Chamber of Commerce Japan

Supporters: KOSÉ Corporation, Kyodo News Service

Special Cooperation: Canon Inc.

Cooperation: Ginza Mitsukoshi, Air India