Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio and delegation members Abu Metha and Hekani Jakhalu at a ceremonial exchange of MoUs with Japanese stakeholders.
CM Rio inks Japan deals to boost youth, agri-sector and cultural ties
TOKYO, JULY 8 (MExN): Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio, leading a high-level delegation to Japan, signed key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at boosting employment for Naga youth, promoting agri-technology transfer, and strengthening bilateral cultural and developmental ties.
During a series of high-level engagements in Tokyo, Rio said the agreements marked a significant step towards long-term collaboration between Nagaland and various Japanese institutions. The visit focused on workforce development, education, cultural exchanges, and investment partnerships.
A major highlight was the signing of an MoU with Kochi Prefecture, focusing on human resource exchange, employment avenues for Naga youth in Japan, capacity building, and the transfer of agri-technology.
Another MoU was signed between the Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) and ARMS Incorporation, following talks with its chairman and founder Masayoshi Hamajima. The agreement seeks to enhance cooperation in human resource development and sports, with plans for sustained local engagement in Nagaland.
The Chief Minister also held discussions with the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, represented by Executive Director Dr Nobuko Kayashima, exploring ongoing collaborations and future youth and leadership exchange programmes. Dr Kayashima extended an invitation to Rio to participate in forthcoming policy dialogues in Japan.
In the creative sector, the delegation met with leading Japanese animation and media figures including Erie Watanabe and Taeaki Tanaka of AXON, Toyonaga Hitomi of Eclat Animal, and noted artist Toshiyuki Honda, creator of Doraemon, who expressed interest in collaborative projects in animation and creative education, especially with Nagaland.
Engagements were also held with the Japan-India Friendship Association (Nagano Prefecture), led by former MP Jun Matsumoto, who discussed cooperation in agriculture and workforce exchange. Representatives from Nomura Securities Co. Ltd expressed interest in exploring investment opportunities in Nagaland.
Additional Letters of Intent (LoIs) were exchanged in areas such as sports, establishment of an engineering college, student and policy-level exchanges, and multi-sectoral peace-building initiatives.
The delegation, which arrived in Tokyo on July 5, included Abu Metha, Advisor to the CM and Chairman of IDAN, and Hekani Jakhalu, Advisor, Industries and Commerce. The team was received by Indian Ambassador to Japan, Sibi George and hosted at the Embassy of India for an official reception.
Speaking at the engagements, Rio reaffirmed the historical and cultural bonds between India and Japan, calling them “civilizational connections founded on shared democratic values, religious harmony, and a commitment to peace and humanity.”
“Today, we are not only remembering the past — we are collaborating to shape a peaceful and progressive future for our youth and generations to come,” he said.
Rio also highlighted the Centre of Excellence for Foreign Languages in Nagaland, which trains youth in Japanese language skills to enhance global employability.
The Chief Minister thanked Japanese stakeholders for their hospitality and commitment to Nagaland, stating: “Nagaland is ready to engage globally. Our youth are eager, our people are capable, and our government is committed to forging meaningful, future-oriented partnerships. Japan will always find a special partner in Nagaland.”
