India, Feb. 20 -- Japan's National Day celebrations in the Capital on Friday gave a glimpse of Omotenashi (Japanese hospitality). Marking an advanced celebration for the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan (Feb 23), the evening combined tradition and diplomatic camaraderie.

In a move that won over the room, the Ambassador of Japan to India, Ono Keiichi, delivered a speech in fluent Hindi. "Aaj yaha ekatrit hone ke liye aap sabhi ka dhanyawad," he began.

"Bharat ko samajhne ke liye, maine alag-alag yatra ki hai. Main yaha Hindi mein sambodhit ho raha hoon, lekin yatraon ke dauran maine Gujarati, Telugu, mein bhi samwaad kiya hai."

Switching to English, he added, "Now, let me speak in English," as he expressed his gratitude to K...