Hiroshi Suzuki affirms commitment to strengthen Japan-Nagaland ties

KISAMA — Japan and Nagaland have long-standing historical ties, Ambassador of Japan to India, Hiroshi Suzuki said on Wednesday, while expressing his will to strengthen and expand the cooperation.

Addressing the audience on day-6 of the ongoing Hornbill Festival at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, the ambassador acknowledged the government of Nagaland for hosting him during the festival. Recounting this earlier visit to the state in April, he said he was impressed by the cultural show organised in his honour.

He expressed admiration for the folk songs, cultural dances, and traditions, and lauded the community’s effort to preserving the practices handed down from generation to generation by their forefathers.

Acknowledging the enduring historical ties between Japan and Nagaland, he traced it back to the Second World War (WW II) and thanked the Nagas for the generosity extended to the Japanese who came to the state to collect the remains after the war.

“I am so grateful for your warmest support given to the Japanese people,” he said, affirming his commitment to strengthen and expand the co-operation between Nagaland and Japan and the longstanding friendship enjoyed between the two.

Expressing his desire for more Japanese people to visit Nagaland, he said they would experience the same joy he received. The visitors will be greatly impressed by the rich traditions of the Naga people and become enthusiastic fans of Nagaland, he added.

MoU signed with NU

The Japanese Ambassador to India also expressed desire for increased cultural exchange, hoping that more Nagas would visit Japan. He shared that the Nagaland University (NU) and Arms Incorporation, a company facilitating apprenticeships in Japan, had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Dec. 5.

Highlighting the significance of the MoU, he said it will enable the NU to provide Japanese education which will enable young and talented people from Nagaland the opportunity to study, receive skill training, and even explore work opportunities in Japan.

Suzuki also expressed optimism about the expansion of people-to-people exchanges between Japan and Nagaland, fostering enduring friendship in the years to come.

Alongside his entourage, the Ambassador immersed himself in the vibrant cultural performances, explored morungs, and visited various stalls at Kisama.