Assam to Establish Japanese Language Centre to Enhance Employment Opportunities for Youth

Assam is poised to establish a Japanese Language Centre, a significant initiative aimed at equipping local youth with the skills required for short-term employment opportunities in Japan. This development was announced by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma following a day of diplomatic engagements with a visiting delegation from ASEAN ONE, led by Toshiaki Nishikawa. The centre is envisioned as a gateway for the state’s youth to access international job markets by learning the Japanese language and gaining cultural proficiency, key prerequisites for employment in Japan.

The move is part of Assam’s broader strategy to foster long-term educational and economic ties with Japan. By focusing on human resource development and skill exchange, the initiative seeks to open new avenues for Assamese professionals while simultaneously strengthening bilateral relations with Japan. The proposed centre is expected to serve as a bridge between the two regions, nurturing a talent pool aligned with Japanese industry demands and cultural expectations.

Earlier in the day, CM Sarma hosted a high-level Japanese delegation led by Nukaga Fukushiro, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan. This visit marked the fourth by a senior Japanese delegation since February, reflecting a growing interest in and commitment to strengthening cooperation with Assam. The frequency of these high-profile visits signifies Japan’s increasing involvement in the state’s developmental landscape and deepening diplomatic and economic engagement.

During interactions with the delegation, Chief Minister Sarma acknowledged the importance of these visits and expressed gratitude for Japan’s ongoing support in various development projects across the state. He emphasized that consistent engagement with Japanese stakeholders is crucial to attracting greater investment in Assam and advancing key infrastructure and industrial initiatives.

Reflecting on his own official visit to Japan earlier this year in February, Sarma recounted that it was during a dinner hosted by Speaker Nukaga Fukushiro that the invitation to visit Assam was extended. That gesture has now materialized in the form of a substantial delegation visit, comprising over 50 members. The delegation was given a tour of the site for the upcoming Tata semiconductor facility, a landmark project symbolizing Assam’s industrial aspirations and potential for global partnerships.

The Japanese Language Centre is seen as a critical step forward in Assam’s vision to become a skilled manpower hub and a preferred destination for international collaboration. With the support of Japan, the state hopes to unlock greater opportunities for its youth while contributing to India’s growing role in the global workforce. The Chief Minister reiterated that this initiative is aligned with Assam’s long-term goal of inclusive development, skill enhancement, and fostering strong international ties, particularly in the context of the Indo-Pacific region.