PM Modi's 'Chai Pe Charcha' With Japan's Shinzo Abe

Tokyo: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has repeatedly highlighted that he used to be a tea seller early in his life, was today treated to a special Japanese "chai" by his counterpart PM Shinzo Abe.

The special gesture was Mr Abe's way of showing affection to the visiting leader, in keeping with the Japanese tradition 'Chanoyu' prevalent since the 16th century.

While Mr Modi sat on the floor with his knees bent, as is the tradition
in Japan, and drank tea from a special cup, Mr Abe sat next to him. The two leaders also had tea cakes along with the Japanese green tea.

The traditional Japanese tea is powdered green and the utensils are called Wamono (Japanese things).

Mr Abe then told Mr Modi an anecdote about tea during the visit of his grandfather, former Japanese Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi to India in 1950.

The 'Chai pe Charcha' preceded the official substantive talks between the two prime ministers.

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During the Lok Sabha election campaign, Mr Modi amply highlighted that he used to be a tea seller in his childhood. Since becoming the Prime Minister, he has been saying that it is extraordinary that a 'chaiwala' has reached such a top post.