Dimapur, January 28, 2026: The Government of Nagaland, through the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), on Wednesday organised Nagaland–Japan Connect 2026 at the Integrated Business Hub & Innovation Centre, marking a major step in the State’s global engagement and employment strategy.
The initiative places human capital development, international mobility, and people-to-people partnerships at the heart of Nagaland’s economic vision. The programme brought together senior State officials, representatives from Kochi Prefecture, industry leaders, 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 said Nagaland–Japan Connect is a long-term platform aimed at preparing youth for global workplaces while building enduring partnerships with Japan.
Delivering the welcome address, Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman of IDAN, said the initiative reflects Nagaland’s evolving global outlook and urged youth to gain international exposure, bring back best practices, and contribute to the State’s development.
Minister for Industries and Commerce Hekani Jakhalu highlighted the challenge of creating sustainable livelihoods amid a large number of job seekers and described the programme as an opportunity for Nagaland’s youth to compete globally, calling it “a beginning, not an end.”
Representing Kochi Prefecture, Kunitoshi Hojo said Japan faces an ageing population and is increasingly seeking disciplined and skilled youth from Nagaland, noting a steady rise in workers from the State over the past two years.
Industry representative Kaushik Choudhury spoke on expanding economic and cultural cooperation, while Pangersenla Walling of Nagaland University underlined the importance of language training in making students globally job-ready.
Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Chief Minister T. R. Zeliang described the initiative as a strategic economic intervention, stressing that investment in skills, language, and global exposure would generate long-term economic returns.
In his closing remarks, Kumar Ramnikant said the platform is already yielding tangible employment outcomes and will strengthen local enterprises as youth return with global experience.
The inaugural session witnessed the exchange of key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to institutionalise cooperation in vocational training, internships, international placements, and investment facilitation. A technical session guided participants on Japanese work culture, recruitment processes, and career pathways.
The event saw over 450 student registrations and featured direct job interviews with Japanese employers across sectors including agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, electronics, hospitality, and heavy machinery.
