Japan ambassador visits Mumbai, netizens want him to take over BMC 'for a few years'

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.

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.”