Excited about my first Pujo in Kolkata: Ishikawa Yoshihisa

Draped in a traditional dhoti-kurta, Ishikawa Yoshihisa, Consul General of Japan in Kolkata, effortlessly blended into Kumartuli’s vibrant chaos. Amid artisans shaping the goddess, he sipped tea, snapped photos of the bustling streets, and soaked in the festival’s growing fervor. He shared his excitement about experiencing Pujo for the first time and his vision to deepen Japan’s economic ties with the city.CG’s Pujo plansDetermined to celebrate like a true local, he plans to see the pandals all over the city. “I will be a part of a Pujo parikrama to take a look at all the beautiful and thematic pandals. Besides that, since this is my first Durga Puja, I plan to walk around and also take a look at the smaller pandals in neighbourhoods. I have heard they come up with beautiful concepts too,” he said with enthusiasm.Settling into India through Kolkata’s charmOn his first posting in India, Ishikawa Yoshihisa, Consul General of Japan in Kolkata, has been won over by the city’s warmth, history, and spirit of openness. “This is my first time in India. I am really enjoying my time here in Kolkata. The city is very kind and accommodating. Kolkata has a long and rich history and the best part is that they educate you about it without making you feel out of place,” he shared. Eschewing the traditional diplomat’s distance, he immerses himself in local life—visiting the Indian Museum, Victoria Memorial, and Netaji Bhawan—with many more stops on his list. His aim: to experience Kolkata like a true local.Building bridges beyond diplomacyOn the work front, he’s clear about his vision: expand Japanese business presence in Kolkata on the lines of Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, while promoting student exchanges and people-to-people connections. “Kolkata should not only be a hub for Japanese business but also a vibrant center for cross-cultural collaboration,” he said.A shared language of aestheticsThe CG explains that both Japanese culture and Kolkata’s Durga Puja pandals share a deep-rooted love for aesthetics, where beauty is not just decoration but an experience. In Japan, minimalism, harmony with nature, and attention to detail define artistic expression. “From what I have heard, Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata transform entire neighbourhoods into living art installations, where themes range from traditional to thoughtful, combining architecture, sculpture, light, and performance. What unites the two is an immersive sense of artistry that elevates everyday spaces into realms of wonder, showing how aesthetics become a way of connecting people to culture, spirituality, and community,” he added.Off duty and in love with KolkataApart from his official duties, the CG enjoys immersing himself in the city’s leisurely rhythms. “I like playing golf with friends in the city, and walking around the city,” he shared. He explained that these activities give him a chance to relax while also allowing him to connect more deeply with Kolkata’s people and its vibrant character. This makes his stay here both meaningful and enjoyable.CG’s fave desi dishes