To build stronger ties between Japan and Uttar Pradesh, Japanese Ambassador to India, Ono Keiichi, paid a courtesy visit to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on July 4.They discussed how both sides can work together in areas like technology, youth training, tourism, and investment. Both leaders described the interaction as “fruitful and meaningful”, and laid the groundwork for future collaborations between Japan and India’s most populous state.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted the deep historical and cultural connection between Uttar Pradesh and Japan. He said, “Our relationship with Japan has deep historical roots. UP is India’s spiritual heartland, with many important sites linked to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism that attract great interest from Japanese people.” This shared cultural heritage continues to strengthen ties between the people of both regions, especially through tourism and educational exchanges.
Ambassador Keiichi congratulated CM Yogi Adityanath for the “positive transformation and developmental progress in UP over the past eight years.” He specifically highlighted the state’s improved law and order situation, massive strides in infrastructure, and expanding connectivity through air, rail, and road networks. Calling UP a “top choice for global investors,” Keiichi said Japanese companies are increasingly viewing the state as an investment-friendly and stable destination. “The positive environment created by the government is highly beneficial for Japanese companies,” he remarked, signaling growing business confidence.
CM Yogi Adityanath shared that Uttar Pradesh is actively inviting Japanese investment and collaboration, especially in sectors that promise strong growth and innovation. These areas include green hydrogen, electronics and semiconductor technologies, clean energy, and advanced urban mobility solutions. He laid emphasis on the fact that the state government is open to adopting advanced models of public transport and urban infrastructure.
To take these ideas forward, a high-level delegation from Uttar Pradesh is likely to visit Japan soon. The visit, planned for later this month, will also include participation in the World Expo 2025 in Osaka. There, Uttar Pradesh will present its strengths in industry, technology, and culture to a global audience, aiming to attract partnerships and investment.
Another central theme of the discussion was skill development. The UP government, in collaboration with Japan, is working on training programs that will prepare local youth for global employment opportunities, including eligibility for jobs in Japan. “We are committed to developing the skills of our youth and equipping them for international employment,” the CM emphasised. The collaboration is expected to cover language training, soft skills, and industry-specific certifications.
Tourism was identified as a vital area of mutual interest. Both sides agreed to further strengthen cultural and spiritual tourism, leveraging UP’s vast religious and historical heritage. Destinations like Sarnath, Kushinagar, and Varanasi already attract thousands of Japanese visitors each year, drawn by their Buddhist significance. Efforts will be intensified to improve tourism infrastructure and joint promotion of spiritual circuits, including Buddhist pilgrimage sites that hold immense appeal for Japanese citizens.
Adding a thoughtful and symbolic element to the meeting, Ambassador Ono Keiichi spoke about the Japanese tradition of the Daruma Doll – a representation of determination and goal-setting. He shared on social media platform ‘X’, “Look forward to working with CM Yogi Adityanath by putting the right eye of the Daruma doll as a promise of our collaboration; the left will be put when it comes true.” His gesture was seen as a thoughtful expression of hope, commitment, and the shared vision between Japan and Uttar Pradesh.
Concurred with @myogiadityanath for 🇯🇵-UP cooperation in investment, technologies, human-resource development and tourism.
Look forward to working with CM Yogi by putting the right eye of the daruma doll as a promise of our collaboration: the left will be put when it comes true🤝 https://t.co/TSNuXeFva6 pic.twitter.com/1jOm0jJ4zW— ONO Keiichi, Ambassador of Japan (@JapanAmbIndia) July 4, 2025
An official spokesperson stated that both Japan and Uttar Pradesh have agreed to move beyond discussions and formalize their partnership through a concrete action plan. As part of this plan, several key mechanisms will be put in place, including systems to track the progress of investment proposals, the launch of joint skill-development centres, focused tourism campaigns targeting Japanese visitors, and the creation of institutional platforms to support partnerships in technology and trade.
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