The Government of Nagaland, through Investment and Development Authority (IDAN) organized Nagaland–Japan Connect 2026 at the Integrated Business Hub & Innovation Centre (IBHIC), Dimapur on 28th January 2026.
This event marked a major milestone in the State Government global engagement strategy, positioning human capital development, international mobility, and people-to-people partnerships at the centre of the State’s economic vision. The initiative brought together State government representatives, Japanese prefectural officials from Kochi, industry partners, academic institutions, and youth to create structured pathways for overseas employment, skill enhancement, and long-term institutional cooperation with Japan.
Chairing the programme, I. Changsang, NCS, emphasised 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, IDAN, highlighted that 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, while urging the youth to gain knowledge and experience, bring back good practices, and contribute to Nagaland, with assurance that the Government will continue to support them.
Hekani Jakhalu, Minister for Industries & Commerce, in her special address, highlighted the importance of youth stepping 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 remarked, adding that the programme marks “a beginning, not an end.”
Representing Kochi Prefecture, Japan, Kunitoshi Hojo emphasised the 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 highlighted 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 place 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 stated.
Highlighting the academic and language-training backbone of the programme, Dr. Pangersenla Walling, Centre of Excellence for Foreign Languages, Nagaland University, noted, “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, T. R. Zeliang, Deputy Chief Minister, 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. This partnership is built on mutual trust and a shared vision for the future,” he said, recalling the long-standing engagement between Nagaland and Japan since 2014.
In his closing remarks, Kumar Ramnikant, IAS, Secretary, Industries & Commerce, stated that Nagaland–Japan Connect 2026 is an outcomes-driven platform already delivering real employment opportunities. He emphasised that beyond overseas earnings, exposure to Japanese work culture, discipline, quality, and productivity will strengthen local enterprises when youth return.
The inaugural session witnessed key Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) exchanged to institutionalise cooperation in vocational training, internships, international placements, and investment facilitation. Konnekt Asia was designated as Nagaland’s official representative in Japan, in partnership with IDAN, to promote investment, technical cooperation, educational exchange, and partnerships across key sectors. Additionally, NYK and IDAN signed an MoU to develop a vocational training ecosystem in Nagaland integrating foreign language skills with industry-oriented technical training. In agriculture, the School of Agricultural Sciences signed separate MoUs with Corporation Kumagai Co., Ltd. and Hagumi Farm Co., Ltd. to offer one-year internships, providing students practical exposure to advanced Japanese farming practices.
A dedicated Technical Session was organised to prepare participants for overseas employment, focusing on Japanese working culture, workplace ethics, discipline, and expectations, along with a clear roadmap for employment in Japan, covering language proficiency, skill standards, recruitment procedures, and long-term career pathways.
Japanese companies and cooperative associations participating in the programme made detailed presentations on their company profiles, sectors, job roles, working conditions, and growth prospects, enabling candidates to gain first-hand understanding of employment opportunities and living conditions in Japan.
The event recorded over 450 student registrations and featured direct job interviews and interactions with Japanese employers across agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, electronics, hospitality, and heavy machinery sectors. The interview process allowed employers to assess candidates’ language abilities, technical skills, and cultural readiness, while providing youth with practical exposure to Japanese recruitment and workplace standards.
Nagaland–Japan Connect 2026 represents a decisive step towards structured global engagement where international exposure, skills, and partnerships translate into employability, entrepreneurship, and long-term economic resilience for the State.
(Tovikali & I. Tiakumla Ao, IA Dimapur)
