Building on the success of the inaugural edition, Nagaland Japan Connect 2.0 commenced at 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, Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), Hekani Jakhalu, Advisor for Industries & Commerce, Government of Nagaland, 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, H&A India Pvt Ltd (ARMS Incorporation), reflected on ARMS growth 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, career guidance creating greater employment opportunities for the youth of Nagaland and the Northeast.
Addressing the gathering, Metha said the partnership between Nagaland and Kochi Prefecture has grown steadily 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 noted that the relationship now extends beyond employment to education, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. He 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.
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Jakhalu said the continued engagement of Kochi Prefecture reflects the strength of the partnership and the excellent performance of Naga youth in Japan. She encouraged stakeholders to expand opportunities beyond the service sector into skilled trades and other high-demand occupations while scaling up long-term skill development initiatives.
Speaking on behalf of Kochi Prefecture, Maeda said more than 40 Naga youth are currently working in Kochi Prefecture. She highlighted Japan’s growing workforce requirements, particularly in agriculture, and encouraged more youth from Nagaland to take advantage of the opportunities available. She added that the partnership between Kochi Prefecture and Nagaland has become one of Kochi’s most successful international collaborations, with employment opportunities 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 Government of Nagaland and IDAN to strengthening international partnerships that create sustainable employment opportunities for the youth of the State.
Following the programme, a high-level meeting chaired by Metha reviewed the progress of ongoing collaborations between the Government of Nagaland and Kochi Prefecture and discussed future initiatives to further strengthen cooperation in workforce development, skill training, education, and investment.
