Kohima: Nagaland–Japan Connect 2026 marked a significant milestone in the Government of Nagaland’s global engagement strategy, placing human capital development, international mobility, and people-to-people partnerships at the core of the State’s economic vision.
The initiative brought together senior State government officials, representatives from Japan’s Kochi Prefecture, industry leaders, academic institutions, and youth to establish structured pathways for overseas employment, skill development, and long-term institutional collaboration with Japan.
Chairing the programme, I. Changsang, NCS, underlined the long-term vision of the initiative, stating that “Nagaland–Japan Connect is not a one-time engagement, but a structured platform to prepare our youth for global workplaces while building enduring institutional partnerships with Japan.”
Delivering the welcome address, Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman of the Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), said the initiative reflects Nagaland’s evolving global outlook. “Dreams are meant to be realised through hard work, enabling youth to achieve success and excellence,” he said, urging young participants to gain global exposure, bring back best practices, and contribute to the State, while assuring continued government support.
In her special address, Minister for Industries & Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu, emphasised the need for youth to step beyond traditional boundaries. “With more than ten lakh job seekers, the challenge before us is to create sustainable livelihoods. This initiative is about expanding horizons and enabling our youth to compete globally. Japan choosing Nagaland reflects the credibility and commitment of our people and our Government,” she said, describing the programme as “a beginning, not an end.”
Representing Kochi Prefecture, Japan, Kunitoshi Hojo highlighted Japan’s growing demand for skilled youth from Nagaland. “Japan is facing a rapidly ageing population, and Kochi Prefecture is actively seeking motivated and disciplined young workers. From zero workers from Nagaland just two years ago, we now have 19, and we expect many more success stories to follow,” he said, reaffirming Kochi’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Nagaland.
Speaking on industry collaboration, Kaushik Choudhury noted the economic and cultural potential of the partnership. “This initiative allows us to present Nagaland to Japan not just as a workforce, but as a source of quality products, culture, and innovation. From introducing Nagaland coffee to developing elderly living villages and cultural centres, this partnership opens new possibilities for inclusive growth,” he said.
Highlighting the academic and language-training backbone of the programme, Dr. Pangersenla Walling of the Centre of Excellence for Foreign Languages, Nagaland University, stated, “Language is the gateway to opportunity. Our certificate programmes are designed to make students job-ready, culturally prepared, and globally competitive, with targeted subsidies ensuring access for deserving candidates.”
Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Chief Minister T. R. Zeliang described Nagaland–Japan Connect as a strategic economic intervention. “Human capital is economic policy. By investing in language, skills, and international exposure, we are creating long-term returns through employment, remittances, and institutional capacity,” he said, recalling Nagaland’s sustained engagement with Japan since 2014.
In his closing remarks, Kumar Ramnikant, IAS, Secretary, Industries & Commerce, said that Nagaland–Japan Connect 2026 is an outcomes-driven platform already delivering tangible employment opportunities. He noted that exposure to Japanese work culture, discipline, quality, and productivity would strengthen local enterprises when youth return to the State.
The inaugural session also witnessed the exchange of key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to institutionalise cooperation in vocational training, internships, international placements, and investment facilitation.
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
A dedicated technical session was organised to prepare participants for overseas employment, focusing on Japanese work culture, workplace ethics, discipline, and expectations. The session outlined a clear roadmap for employment in Japan, covering language proficiency requirements, skill standards, recruitment processes, and long-term career pathways.
Japanese companies and cooperative associations participating in the programme made detailed presentations on company profiles, job roles, working conditions, and growth prospects. The event recorded over 450 student registrations and featured direct job interviews with Japanese employers across sectors including agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, electronics, hospitality, and heavy machinery.
Also Read | Nagaland: Trekking to Dzükou suspended as fire reported