A feature article on HMI President Ryuko Hira has been published in the Japan-India Association's newsletter, MJIA Magazine.
Guest:
Photo (right): Councilor of the Japan-India Association, President of the Japan Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mr. Ryuko Hira, Representative of HMI Hotel Group
Interviewer:
Photo (left): Mr. Akio Saiki, Chairman of the Japan-India Association.
Chairman Akitaka Saiki (hereinafter referred to as Chairman Saiki)
Mr. Hira, I understand you have a very long history of ties with Japan. What was the initial trigger (trigger/reason) that led to your connection with Japan?
Mr. Hira Ryutora (hereinafter referred to as Mr. Hira)
My connection with Japan dates back to 1905, the year the Russo-Japanese War ended. In that year, Japan concluded the Second Anglo-Japanese Alliance with Great Britain. The treaty included provisions recognizing Japan's sovereignty and defense rights over India, which was then a British colony. As part of this, approximately 50 Indian companies were invited to Japan. One of those companies was my ancestor's company. This was the beginning of everything that led my family to start a business in Japan.
（Chairman Saiki）
Going back to the Meiji era, that's truly a living witness to the history of Japan-India exchange. Does your own work also reflect that lineage?
（Mr. Hira）
Yes. In 1921, my father and uncle founded a silk export business to India in Yokohama. After the Great Kanto Earthquake, they moved to Kobe, but in 1952 they returned to Yokohama and started an export business of synthetic fibers such as nylon georgette to India.
After relocating to Tokyo in 1966, the company shifted to importing iron ore and metals, and has continued and developed this business for over 100 years to this day. Furthermore, in 1970, it entered the hotel industry by establishing Sunroute Hotel System Co., Ltd. in a joint venture with Hirozo Ishikawa of Nippon Rent-A-Car Co., Ltd.
（Chairman Saiki）
I imagine that maintaining a history of over 100 years must have required extraordinary effort.
（Mr. Hira）
When I spoke to my father about the early days of the Japan-India Association, he often told me stories about the pre-war, wartime, and post-war periods. In particular, the story of Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi's visit to India in 1957 is still recounted today.
At the time, Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi, during a visit to India, delivered a speech to the Diet to the effect that "a true friend is the one who welcomes a defeated country with genuine friendship."
These words deeply moved the people of India at the time. Later, when Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the grandfather's grandson, visited India, he stated in a speech, "Because my grandfather made this promise, I too will remain a friend of India to the very end." This strong bond of trust, I believe, forms a major foundation of current Japan-India relations.
（Chairman Saiki）
A promise made between Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has now been fulfilled across generations.Despite these positive political relations, it appears that Japanese companies still face many challenges when expanding into India.
（Mr. Hira）
Frankly speaking, I think there are two main reasons why Japanese companies have difficulty expanding into India.
One issue is the ethical aspects on the Indian side. In the past, some companies have experienced considerable difficulties regarding land transactions and lawsuits. India has a major area to reflect on, including strengthening its management culture and improving its ethical standards.
Another issue is the lack of effort from the individual Indian states. While there is a national framework, the infrastructure and systems in place to support the projects in the regions where they are actually implemented are insufficient.
（Chairman Saiki）
Local ethical issues and state-level responses are proving to be obstacles. So, what do you think is necessary for Japanese companies to succeed ?
（Mr. Hira）
The key is to build trust with a long-term vision, rather than pursuing short-term results.
India is nine times larger in land area than Japan, has a vastly larger population, and boasts diverse languages and religions.
Adapting to the local market and developing a pricing strategy targeting the middle-income segment, which represents the volume of the market, is crucial.
Building cooperative relationships with local partners and existing Japanese subsidiaries is also essential.
（Chairman Saiki）
Understanding cultural differences is also important, isn't it? What about in terms of customs ?
（Mr. Hira）
Japan and India share many similarities, such as their long histories, the influence of Buddhism, and their cultures that value family. However, their food cultures and lifestyles are strongly influenced by religion, so it's important to respect that diversity.
（Chairman Saiki）
Mr. Hira, you hold important positions in many organizations, including as the chairman of the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan. What are your expectations for future Japan-India relations?
（Mr. Hira）
In economic and technological terms, we aim to strengthen cooperation in IT, AI, semiconductors, and healthcare. Furthermore, in terms of security, stability in the Indo-Pacific region through the "Quad" framework is essential. And most importantly, we need to expand people-to-people exchanges. Young Indian IT professionals will work in Japan, and Japanese students will travel to India. By increasing air routes and deepening cultural exchanges, we hope to strengthen the bonds between the next generation.
（Chairman Saiki）
Could you please give a message to the younger generation in Japan today.
（Mr. Hira）
Japan is a wonderful country, rare in the world, overflowing with morality, courtesy, and a strong sense of duty and compassion. It is also extremely fortunate in the fields of economy, science, and politics. I want young people to have confidence and pride in their country. I hope you will believe in Japan's bright future and actively take on challenges to build a stronger, new Japan.
（Chairman Saiki）
Thank you so much for your passionate presentation, which covered everything from historical background to suggestions for the future. We will continue to support your activities as a bridge between Japan and India. Thank you again for today.
The Japan-India Association (a public interest incorporated foundation)
6th Floor, Kojimachi Hosaka Building, 1-6 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0083, Japan
●Other articles
