Nagaland chief minister Dr Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday said the bond between Naga-land and Japan, rooted in history and strengthened by reconciliation and trust, had evolved into a forward-looking partnership focused on human capital, cultural exchange and long-term cooperation.
Addressing the Nagaland–Japan Connect 2026 programme held at Zone Niathu by The Park on Wednesday evening, Rio welcomed the Japanese delegation, particularly partners from Kochi Prefecture, along with representatives from industry, institutions and government, and expressed appreciation for their role in strengthening bilateral ties.
He said the relationship was anchored in the shared history of the Second World War, adding that Nagaland’s approach to remembrance, guided by reconciliation and humanity, had transformed a painful past into mutual respect and trust through the care of war memorials and sustained people-to-people interactions.
The chief minister said the historical bond had matured into a structured partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Kochi Prefecture in July 2025, which institutionalised cooperation and complemented the strong India–Japan relationship based on shared democratic values and commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Highlighting Nagaland’s youth as its greatest strength, Rio said collaboration with Japan focused on skills development, structured human resource exchange and employability, aimed at meeting Japan’s workforce needs while creating dignified employment, skill enhancement and global exposure for Naga youth. He said the initiative was about long-term capability building and empowerment, not migration alone.
He also stressed the social and cultural dimensions of the partnership, noting that youth working and training in Japan acted as ambassadors, strengthening mutual understanding, while cultural exchange, education and tourism remained key pillars. Rio said there was scope to expand cooperation into agriculture, agri-technology, MSME development, innovation and tourism, inviting Japanese institutions and companies to view Nagaland as a partner state and gateway to the Northeast.
Assuring continued government support, Rio said Nagaland would provide policy backing and institutional facilitation for sustained collaboration. He also acknowledged the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland chairman Abu Metha and advisor Industries and Commerce Hekani Jakhalu for anchoring the initiative.
State unveils Nagaland-Japan connect
Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, JAN 28 (NPN): The inaugural session of the state government’s flagship programme, Nagaland–Japan Connect 2026, was held at the Integrated Business Hub & Innovation Centre (IBH&IC), Dimapur, on Wednesday under the theme “Build, Connect, Progress.”
Addressing the gathering as special guest, deputy chief minister T.R. Zeliang described the initiative as a reflection of the steadily growing partnership between Nagaland and Japan, anchored in mutual trust, shared values and a collective vision for the future. He said the theme aptly captured Nagaland’s strategic direction as it seeks to integrate its youth and institutions with global opportunities.
Zeliang said Japan’s engagement with Nagaland was neither new nor symbolic. He recalled that a delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) visited the state in June 2014, laying the foundation for sustained collaboration.
The partnership gained further momentum in January 2017 with assistance for the Nagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP), aimed at ecological restoration through sustainable rehabilitation of jhum land while strengthening livelihoods. The project covers 185 villages across 22 forest ranges in all districts.
He also highlighted JICA’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan of about Rs 564 crore for a 400-bedded medical college hospital at Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (NIMSR), Kohima, calling it a major boost to healthcare infrastructure and medical education.
Stating that the state’s development philosophy now places human capital at the centre, Zeliang said Nagaland–Japan Connect exemplified people-to-people diplomacy, translating cooperation into opportunities for learning, employment and cultural exchange. He said the MoU with Kochi Prefecture marked a key step in formalising collaboration in human resource exchange, skill development and agriculture.
Zeliang said tangible outcomes were already visible, with Naga youth employed in Japan, supporting families through remittances and enhancing global confidence in the state’s workforce. Around 190 Naga youths are currently working in Japan, while about 300 are learning Japanese. He said those employed earn an average salary of Rs 1.3 lakh.
He added that the government would responsibly scale up efforts by expanding training, strengthening partnerships and aligning skills with global demand. Inviting Japanese participation in other sectors, he said Nagaland’s strategic location and “Japanese precision with Naga resilience” could position the state as a future innovation hub.
Deputy director general, Kochi Prefectural department of Commerce and Labour, Kunitoshi Hojo, said Japan’s ageing population had created demand for disciplined young workers. From zero workers from Nagaland two years ago, Kochi now has 19, with 30 undergoing training.
Advisor, Industries & Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu, termed the initiative a milestone, noting that over 60% of Nagaland’s population is below 35. She said selected youths would serve as ambassadors for future candidates.
Industry partner Kaushik Choudhury of Konnekt Asia LLP highlighted collaboration in anime skills, Nagaland coffee promotion, renewable energy, elderly care, gaming platforms and sister-state partnerships.
Advisor to CM and IDAN chairman Abu Metha said the programme followed sustained engagement after the chief minister’s Japan visit and marked the first formal agreement between Nagaland and a foreign government. He also noted the shared WWII history that now fostered cooperation.
Over 450 students registered, with direct job interviews held with Japanese employers across multiple sectors.