ARMS Incorporation launched in Mokokchung

MOKOKCHUNG — In a landmark move to bridge Nagaland's burgeoning literacy with global employability, the ARMS Incorporation Mokokchung Chapter was formally launched on Wednesday by Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer and Deputy Commissioner Ajit Kumar Verma.

The event, held at the conference hall of Whispering Winds in Mokokchung, drew a constellation of dignitaries, including DAN Chairman Dr. Watizulu, representatives of Ao Senden, Ao Students’ Conference and other dignitaries.

This new chapter represents a collaborative effort between the INRIS India Foundation, the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), and ARMS Incorporation — a premier Japanese firm renowned for scouting and upskilling competent youth through specialised programmes.

ARMS focuses on the Technical Intern Training Programme (TITP), Specified Skilled Workers (SSW), and Engineering (mechanical, civil, and electrical fields) designed to provide rigorous, hands-on training not only hone technical expertise but also pave the way for lucrative employment in Japan.

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Speaker Longkumer, in his address, shed light on the “silent endeavours” of the INRIS India Foundation. "We've seen remarkable progress in education institutions, with literacy soaring from 76 percent in 2011 to 95.7 percent in 2025," he noted.

“Yet, this high literacy rate begs a critical question: If we are educated, why are we unemployed?” He pinpointed skill enhancement as the antidote according to INRIS India Foundation.

He said the collaboration with ARMS Incorporation — one of the multinational entities endorsed by the Japan Embassy-as a beacon for the literate youth to open new opportunities.

“I hope the first batch from this Mokokchung Chapter will not only seize opportunities beyond our state and abroad but also emerge as proud ambassadors of Nagaland in Japan,” he said.

Nagatoshi Shibata, Vice President of ARMS Incorporation, provided a snapshot of the programme's momentum, revealing that 325 Naga youths are already working in Japan, with another 150 awaiting visa clearances to embark on their journeys.

He attributed this success to the innate synergies between Naga and Japanese ethos —humility, friendliness, and unwavering dedication bolstered by proactive support from the Government of Nagaland.

“Establishing ARMS in Mokokchung is a pivotal turning point,” Shibata said, adding that Naga youths will return to their homeland armed with invaluable skills and technological knowledge after gaining international work experience in Japan.

Speeches were also delivered by DC Mokokchung Ajit Kumar Verma; Meripeni, project lead for NSEDM IDAN Nagaland; DAN chairman Dr. Watizulu; Ao Senden president Marsanen Imsong; Ao Students’ Conference president Lanutoshi Aier; MB Longkumer, MMC member and advisor MCCI; Temjen Bursanen Jamir, director of External Affairs at ARMS and a State Bank of India representative spoke on financial literacy.

The launching programme was followed by a press conference where Meripeni positioned Japanese language training as the cornerstone of a broader vision under Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio's leadership, launched in May 2025.

"This mission aims to skill, employ, and empower Naga youth for diverse and emerging industries at home and abroad," she declared.

"Introducing Japanese language equips them not just with communication prowess but with the discipline, precision, and work ethic Japan embodies," she added.

She also highlighted ARMS's two-year footprint in Nagaland as a trusted partner and stated that they had inked an MoU with IDAN and collaborated in establishing a Centre of Excellence in Foreign Languages at Nagaland University.

Shibata also elaborated on the linguistic gateway to Japan. He said that learning the Japanese language is a mandatory requirement to land a job in Japan whether it’s a white-or blue-collar role.

He said that Japanese language qualifications spanned five levels from N5 to N1 and that for a white-collar job, the candidate was required to qualify above N3. He stated that in the institution, they offered N4 to N3 levels in Japanese language. He mentioned that the students currently pursuing studies were not eligible since it was a full-time regular class course.

Temjen Bursanen Jamir outlined the ARMS's robust protocols on perennial concern on migrant worker safety and security. "We enforce a strict safety and security umbrella against exploitation or discrimination," he stated.