Nagaland’s effort to link its growing pool of job seekers with overseas labour markets took a concrete step forward on Tuesday, as the State Government launched Nagaland–Japan Connect 2026, a program aimed at creating structured employment, training and institutional partnerships with Japan.
Held at the Integrated Business Hub and Innovation Centre in Dimapur, the initiative brings together government agencies, Japanese prefectural officials, academic institutions and private industry to facilitate overseas placements, language training and long-term cooperation in sectors ranging from agriculture and healthcare to manufacturing and hospitality.
Officials said the program reflects a shift in the State’s economic approach, placing human capital development and international mobility at the centre of its growth strategy.
Chairing the program, I Changsang, NCS, described Nagaland–Japan Connect as a long-term platform rather than a one-off exchange.
“This is about preparing our youth for global workplaces while building enduring institutional partnerships with Japan,” he said.
Advisor to the Chief Minister and IDAN Chairman Abu Metha said the initiative signals Nagaland’s expanding global outlook. Urging young participants to gain skills and international exposure, he said the government would continue to support efforts that allow youth to return with experience and apply global best practices at home.
Industries and Commerce Minister Hekani Jakhalu placed the program in the context of employment pressure within the State. “With more than ten lakh job seekers, the challenge before us is to create sustainable livelihoods,” she said, adding that the partnership with Japan reflects confidence in Nagaland’s workforce. “This is a beginning, not an end.”
From Japan, Kochi Prefecture official Kunitoshi Hojo highlighted the demand for skilled workers amid the country’s ageing population. “Two years ago there were no workers from Nagaland in Kochi. Today there are 19, and we expect many more success stories,” he said, reaffirming the prefecture’s interest in recruiting disciplined and motivated youth from the State.
Industry representatives pointed to opportunities beyond employment. Kaushik Choudhury said the partnership could also position Nagaland as a source of quality products and innovation, citing possibilities such as coffee exports, cultural centres and elderly care facilities.
Language training was identified as a critical pillar of the programme. Dr Pangersenla Walling of Nagaland University’s Centre of Excellence for Foreign Languages said certificate courses have been designed to make candidates job-ready and culturally prepared, with subsidies to ensure access for deserving students.
Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang described the initiative as a strategic economic intervention. “Human capital is economic policy,” he said, noting that investments in language, skills and international exposure would yield long-term returns through employment, remittances and institutional capacity.
The program also saw the exchange of multiple Memoranda of Understanding to institutionalize cooperation in vocational training, internships and international placements. Konnekt Asia was designated as Nagaland’s official representative in Japan in partnership with IDAN, while NYK and IDAN signed an agreement to develop a vocational training ecosystem integrating foreign language skills with technical education.
In agriculture, separate MoUs were signed between the School of Agricultural Sciences and Japan-based Corporation Kumagai Co, Ltd and Hagumi Farm Co., Ltd., offering one-year internships for students to gain exposure to advanced farming practices.
A technical session later in the day focused on preparing candidates for overseas employment, covering Japanese work culture, discipline, recruitment processes and long-term career planning. Japanese companies and cooperative associations also presented details on job roles, working conditions and growth prospects.
The event recorded over 450 student registrations and included direct interviews with Japanese employers across agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, electronics, hospitality and heavy machinery sectors.