On Monday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath began his speech in Japanese during the signing of memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with Yamanashi Prefecture in Japan. The event, held in Lucknow, was attended by Kotaro Nagasaki, the governor of Yamanashi, who led the Japanese delegation.
The MoUs aim to enhance economic and cultural ties between Uttar Pradesh and Yamanashi, marking a step toward strengthening the relationship between the two regions. In his address, Adityanath emphasized the growing economic relationship between India and Japan, saying, “India and Japan are countries with big economies. The state government is keen to cooperate with Japanese companies. Uttar Pradesh is a state of unlimited potential. After this MoU, relations between India and Japan are going to gain new strength.”
#WATCH | CM Yogi Adityanath begins his opening remark in Japanese as Uttar Pradesh signs MoUs with Japan's Yamanashi Prefecture, in Lucknow
Kotaro Nagasaki, Governor of Yamanashi is leading the Japanese delegation pic.twitter.com/aoB3hTVf1a
— ANI (@ANI) December 23, 2024
This partnership also reflects the broader “Special Strategic and Global Partnership” between India and Japan, which has deep historical and cultural roots. The connection dates back to 752 AD when Indian monk Bodhisena consecrated the iconic Buddha statue at Todaiji Temple in Nara, Japan. The Chief Minister also pointed out the role played by historical figures like Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore, and Subhash Chandra Bose in strengthening bilateral relations.
In recent years, economic and academic exchanges have helped solidify this bond. The growing Indian community in Japan, especially in the IT and engineering sectors, highlights the closeness between the two nations. “The Nishikasai area in Tokyo, often referred to as ‘mini-India,’ is home to over 40,000 Indians.” Additionally, Japan is home to more than 150 Indian professors, 50 research visa holders, and around 282 Indian students pursuing higher education, further fostering academic and cultural collaboration.
