State to host ‘Nagaland-Japan connect 2026’

Government of Nagaland, through the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) in collaboration with the Centre of Excellence for Foreign Languages (CoEFL) and key institutional partners, would organise “Nagaland-Japan Connect 2026” — a flagship initiative aimed at promoting investment, strengthening people-to-people ties, shared opportunities, and long-term cooperation between Nagaland and Japan.
According to a DIPR report, the event marks the official flag-off of a government-to-government partnership, stemming from a high-level delegation led by chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio to Japan. During the visit, engagements were held with high-ranking officials of the Government of Japan, the then Ambassador of India to Japan, and leading Japanese companies.
This partnership was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kochi Prefecture, Japan, in July 2025, focusing on human resource exchange, agricultural technology collaboration, and future strategic partnerships.
The initiative aligns with the state government’s strategic emphasis on human capital development as a driver of employability, economic participation, and global engagement.
It integrates skill development, language proficiency, recruitment facilitation, and cultural exchange into a unified platform.
Central to this effort is the Centre of Excellence for Foreign Languages (CoEFL) at Nagaland University, established to equip Naga youth with internationally recognised foreign language skills, cultural readiness, and employment opportunities.
Japanese language is the first foreign language introduced, through language partner ARMS Incorporation.
The programme has already facilitated sustained income generation and remittance inflows to Nagaland, supporting household welfare and local economic development.
The event would include sensitization of career opportunities in Japan, job interviews (caregiving, agriculture, tourism & hospitality, manufacturing etc.) with visiting Japanese companies, testimonials, cultural activities, B2G and exchange of MoUs.
The event offers timely opportunities for trained Naga youth to access global careers and professional growth. The initiative is envisioned to become a recurring flagship event on Nagaland’s annual calendar, strengthening international cooperation while bringing together efforts in human resource development, cultural activities, research, policy, and business opportunities.