Representative from Japan and Nagaland and others during the commencement of Nagaland-Japan Connect 2.0 commenced at the ARMS Incorporation Centre, Chümoukedima, on July 21. (Photo Courtesy: IDAN)
Over 40 Naga youth working in Kochi as partnership expands
CHÜMOUKEDIMA, JULY 21 (MExN): Nagaland Japan Connect 2.0 commenced at the ARMS Incorporation Centre, Chümoukedima, on July 21, 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 also 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, Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN); Hekani Jakhalu, Nagaland Advisor for Industries & Commerce; and a 21-member delegation from Kochi Prefecture representing 14 Japanese organisations. The delegation was led by Kiyo Maeda, Planning Supervisor, Commerce & Industry Policy Division.
Welcoming the gathering, Nagatoshi Shibata, Vice President, H&A India Pvt Ltd (ARMS Incorporation), reflected on the organisation’s growth since its establishment in 2022.
He said the new centre would serve as a hub for Japanese language training, skill development and career guidance, with the objective of creating more employment opportunities for youth from Nagaland and the Northeast.
Addressing the gathering, Metha said the partnership between Nagaland and Kochi Prefecture has grown through sustained engagement and is creating employment opportunities for Naga youth.
Recalling the Government of Nagaland’s visit to Japan led by Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio, he said the relationship now extends beyond employment to education, culture, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.
He also reminded the youth that they serve as ambassadors of Nagaland and encouraged them to uphold the values, discipline and reputation of the State wherever they work.
Jakhalu said the continued engagement with Kochi Prefecture reflected the strength of the partnership and the performance of Naga youth working in Japan. She called for expanding opportunities beyond the service sector to skilled trades and other high-demand occupations, alongside long-term skill development initiatives.
Speaking on behalf of Kochi Prefecture, Maeda informed that more than 40 Naga youth are currently working in the prefecture.
Highlighting Japan’s growing workforce requirements, particularly in agriculture, she encouraged more youth from Nagaland to explore the opportunities available.
She further stated that the partnership with Nagaland has become one of Kochi Prefecture’s most successful international collaborations, with employment opportunities available in construction, hospitality, caregiving and agriculture.
Delivering the closing remarks, the Under Secretary, IDAN, thanked the Kochi Prefecture delegation and ARMS Incorporation for bringing more Japanese organisations to Nagaland to recruit local youth. He reaffirmed the commitment of the State Government and IDAN to strengthening international partnerships aimed at creating 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 strengthen cooperation in workforce development, skill training, education and investment.
