Zoho’s Sridhar Vembu in Traditional Veshti Races for Japan’s Bullet Train, Captivating the Internet | Watch

Sridhar Vembu, the founder of Zoho, has once again captured attention on social media by sharing a video featuring his journey on Japan’s renowned Shinkansen bullet train. In the clip, he wears a traditional South Indian veshti (dhoti) paired with a shirt.

The video, shared on X, depicts the Padma Shri awardee rushing to catch the high-speed train with a backpack slung over his shoulders. Instead of a typical business suit or tie, he opted for a white veshti and shirt.

In his post, Vembu wrote: “Nothing says Japan like running to catch the train… (with a laughing emoji).

Nothing says Japan like running to catch the train…???? pic.twitter.com/ckT0yDFAOH

— Sridhar Vembu (@svembu) July 5, 2026

Recently, Vembu expressed his interest in fostering partnerships between small and medium enterprises in Japan and rural communities in India. He mentioned on X that his trip to Japan involves engagement with businesses located in smaller towns.

“I’m heading to Japan tomorrow. The agenda is to partner with small to mid-sized companies in small-town Japan and bring them to small town and rural India,” he stated.

I am heading to Japan tomorrow. The agenda is to partner with small to mid-sized companies in small town Japan and bring them to small town and rural India.

We want to restore our culture of craftsmanship – Aasaari (ஆசாரி) in Tamil and Vishwakarma (विश्वकर्मा) in Sanskrit – by…

— Sridhar Vembu (@svembu) July 2, 2026

Vembu emphasized that this initiative transcends mere business. He aims to rejuvenate India’s traditional culture of craftsmanship and skilled trades.

“We want to restore our culture of craftsmanship – Aasaari in Tamil and Vishwakarma in Sanskrit – by partnering with smaller Japanese companies that still embody those principles and are established in rural Japan. The Japanese excel in fields that demand intricate craftsmanship,” he remarked.

He also mentioned that this vision was inspired by his close friend Britto, originally from Madurai, who dedicated many years to working in Japan before launching his own venture, Takumi Motion Controls. Vembu and Britto have frequently discussed the Japanese ‘Takumi’ philosophy, which translates to master craftsman or expert artisan.

“Britto-san and I share a deep admiration for Japanese craftsmanship. This has transformed into a mission for us,” he concluded.

In 2020, Vembu made the decision to leave California’s Silicon Valley and relocate to Mathalamparai, a village in Tenkasi district. Since then, he has been advocating for Zoho’s ‘Work from Village’ initiative.

Rather than urging individuals to relocate to large cities for employment, the company has established technology offices in villages and small towns.