Gayaji: Bodh Gaya, one of India’s most famous Buddhist pilgrimage sites, is set to undergo a major transformation. A 100-member Japanese delegation, led by Izen Onishi, the chief priest of Japan’s oldest Buddhist monastery, visited the city to discuss plans for its development with Bihar Assembly Speaker Dr Prem Kumar. The delegation also visited several important Buddhist sites in and around Bodh Gaya, highlighting the shared cultural and spiritual ties between India and Japan.
During the meeting, the Japanese delegation presented Dr Prem Kumar with a traditional khada scarf and a memento as a mark of respect. Dr Prem Kumar said the Bihar government wants to develop Bodh Gaya not just as a pilgrimage site but also as a peaceful, well-organized city with a global spiritual identity. He explained that the aim is to model the city along the lines of Kyoto, Japan, known for its historic architecture, clean streets, and cultural heritage. He also added that this development could attract more devotees and Buddhist followers from Japan in the coming years.
A major part of the plan is the Mahabodhi Corridor project, which focuses on developing Bodh Gaya and surrounding sites connected to Lord Buddha. Dr Prem Kumar said this project will help make Bodh Gaya a symbol of world peace and compassion. He emphasized that the city’s growth will balance its spiritual importance with modern infrastructure, making it a destination that combines history, culture, and urban planning.
At the end of the meeting, the Japanese delegation invited Dr Prem Kumar to visit Japan, strengthening the bond between the two countries. Delegation members Shoji Koyama, Takahira Koyama, and Jimmy said they felt honored to visit Bodh Gaya and hoped the partnership would bring more opportunities for cultural and spiritual exchange between India and Japan.
