A light-hearted social media post by Japan’s Ambassador to India and Bhutan, Ono Keiichi, has sparked a wave of civic wishful thinking among Mumbaikars. Keiichi, who was recently in Mumbai, shared a photo of himself enjoying a vada pav in front of Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST)—a gesture that won hearts and triggered a viral conversation on X.
Among the many reactions, one stood out. Mumbaikar Karthik Nadar reshared the ambassador’s post and wrote, “For some years, I want the Japanese to take over the BMC. The only hope.” His comment, referencing Japan’s globally admired work ethic and civic discipline, struck a chord online, garnering nearly three lakh views.
For some years, I want the Japanese to take over the BMC.The only hope. https://t.co/EvxVMUVZ1f
— Karthik Nadar (@runkarthikrun) August 1, 2025
The sentiment quickly snowballed, especially after the backlash Mumbai's civic body received for failing to curb flooding after the rains.
“This is a good idea. For so many years none of the municipalities in any Indian city could solve infrastructure issues. Better to outsource this,” wrote user Sreekar Vanguru. Another user, @kataiikaminadil, added, “But people need to have discipline and civic sense like Japanese... then only we can change.”
The conversation also roped in Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who had visited Japan in 2023 to pitch infrastructure projects to Japanese investors.
“Deva bhau keeps visiting Japan to copy metro ideas but somehow just doesn’t think how he can get the Japanese to come over and fix waste management,” quipped user @eigzackly.
Fadnavis, who was conferred an honorary doctorate by Koyasan University—the first in its 120-year history—has long maintained ties with Japanese institutions, dating back to his unveiling of a Dr Ambedkar statue at the university in 2015.
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