Nagaland Japan Connect 2.0 brings together the Government of Nagaland, Kochi Prefecture, Japanese organisations, and youth to expand employment opportunities, skill development, and workforce collaboration with Japan.
DIMAPUR — Building on the success of its inaugural edition, Nagaland Japan Connect 2.0 commenced at the ARMS Incorporation Centre, bringing together the Government of Nagaland, Kochi Prefecture, Japanese organisations, and aspiring youth to strengthen workforce collaboration and expand employment opportunities in Japan.
The programme coincided with the inauguration of the new ARMS Incorporation office and training centre in Chümoukedima.
The event was attended by Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman of the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN); Hekani Jakhalu, Advisor for Industries & Commerce; and a 21-member delegation from Kochi Prefecture representing 14 Japanese organisations, led by Kiyo Maeda, Planning Supervisor, Commerce & Industry Policy Division.
Welcoming the gathering, Nagatoshi Shibata, Vice President of H&A India Pvt. Ltd. (ARMS Incorporation), highlighted the growth of ARMS since its establishment in 2022. He said the new centre marks a significant milestone and will serve as a hub for Japanese language training, skill development, and career guidance, creating greater employment opportunities for youth from Nagaland and the Northeast.
Addressing the programme, Metha said the partnership between Nagaland and Kochi Prefecture has strengthened through sustained engagement and is creating meaningful employment opportunities for Naga youth.
Recalling the Government of Nagaland’s visit to Japan led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, he said the partnership has expanded beyond employment opportunities to include education, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.
Metha urged youth working abroad to act as ambassadors of Nagaland by upholding the values, discipline, and reputation of the State.
Jakhalu said the continued engagement of Kochi Prefecture reflects the strength of the partnership and the positive contribution of Naga youth working in Japan.
She encouraged stakeholders to explore opportunities beyond the service sector by focusing on skilled trades and other high-demand occupations while expanding long-term skill development initiatives.
Speaking on behalf of Kochi Prefecture, Maeda said more than 40 Naga youth are currently employed in Kochi Prefecture.
She highlighted Japan’s growing workforce requirements, particularly in the agriculture sector, and encouraged more youth from Nagaland to take advantage of available opportunities.
She added that the partnership between Kochi Prefecture and Nagaland has emerged as one of Kochi’s successful international collaborations, providing employment opportunities in sectors such as construction, hospitality, caregiving, and agriculture.
Delivering the closing remarks, the Under Secretary of IDAN thanked the Kochi Prefecture delegation and ARMS Incorporation for bringing Japanese organisations to Nagaland to recruit local youth.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Government of Nagaland and IDAN to strengthening international partnerships that generate sustainable employment opportunities.
Following the programme, a high-level meeting chaired by Metha reviewed the progress of ongoing collaborations between the Government of Nagaland and Kochi Prefecture.
The meeting also discussed future initiatives to further enhance cooperation in workforce development, skill training, education, and investment.