Tokyo: Indian statesman Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, made his first official visit to Japan, aiming to expand industrial cooperation, clean energy partnerships, human resource exchange, and strategic investment ties.
During his visit to Yamanashi Prefecture, members of the Japan-India Governors’ Network for Friendship and Exchange, led by Governor Kotaro Nagasaki, welcomed the delegation. Seven Japanese private companies presented their expertise and investment interests in Uttar Pradesh.
Hydrogen energy & clean technology focus
A major highlight of the visit was Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s inspection of an advanced hydrogen energy plant in Yamanashi. He closely examined the cutting-edge power-to-gas system, which converts renewable electricity from solar and wind sources into hydrogen for fuel, storage, and clean transportation. The system significantly enhances energy efficiency while reducing carbon emissions.
Praising the initiative, he stated: “Green hydrogen can become a crucial foundation of future energy. It represents an effective model for clean energy and green development.”
He emphasised that Uttar Pradesh is actively promoting green hydrogen, solar power, and clean energy innovation. A historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Uttar Pradesh and Yamanashi, focusing on green hydrogen technology, industrial cooperation, tourism, and vocational education. Under this agreement, students from Uttar Pradesh’s higher technical institutions will receive advanced technical training in Japan.
The Chief Minister also announced that a Green Hydrogen Centre of Excellence is being developed at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, strengthening India’s push toward energy self-reliance and supporting the net-zero vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Investment roadshow & Industrial expansion
Addressing the UP Investment Roadshow in Yamanashi, Yogi Adityanath showcased Uttar Pradesh’s transformation from reactive to proactive governance. He highlighted:
Population of over 250 million, with nearly 50 per cent youth workforce
55 per cent of India’s expressway network
Expanding metro and railway systems
The maximum number of airports, including the upcoming Noida International Airport
Rapid transit between Meerut and Delhi is reducing travel time from 3 hours to 50 minutes
He stressed that 11 per cent of India’s agricultural land lies in Uttar Pradesh, producing 21 per cent of India’s grain, making it the nation’s “food basket.” Vast land availability for industrial parks, strong logistics, and 20,000+ startups (including 10,000 women-led ventures) were highlighted as key strengths.
The Chief Minister also underscored opportunities in waste management, hydrogen energy, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, dairy, mobility, and semiconductor-linked industrial gas supply chains.
Engagement with Japanese corporations
Leading Japanese firms expressed strong interest:
Kanadevia Corporation – Waste-to-energy, biogas, hydrogen supply chain
KOSÉ Corporation – Cosmetics expansion in India via “Spawake”
Kyowa Leather Cloth – Automotive artificial leather; planning manufacturing near Noida
Shimizu Corporation – Infrastructure and metro projects
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group – Financial expansion for Japanese businesses in India
Suntory Holdings – Spirits business expansion (Oaksmith brand)
Tomoe Shokai Co. – Special gases and hydrogen supply for energy and semiconductor sectors
Additionally, the proposed Japan Industrial Township under the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) and the dedicated Japan Desk under Invest UP were presented as strong facilitation mechanisms for Japanese investors.
SCMAGLEV experience & smart mobility vision
In Yamanashi, the Chief Minister rode the world’s advanced SCMAGLEV (Superconducting Magnetic Levitation train), capable of speeds up to 500 km/h. Describing the experience as “a glimpse into the future of transportation,” he praised Japan’s technological excellence, noting the train’s smoothness, safety, and energy efficiency. He emphasised that such clean, high-speed mobility systems could inspire future smart transport and infrastructure projects in Uttar Pradesh.
Cultural connect & strategic partnership
During his visit, Yogi Adityanath also viewed Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest peak and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. He described it as a symbol of resilience, discipline, and cultural pride.
Governor Kotaro Nagasaki proposed an August visit to Uttar Pradesh with 200 Japanese CEOs, a proposal warmly welcomed by the Chief Minister. The visit is expected to accelerate industrial investments and strengthen strategic cooperation.
The Chief Minister described the partnership as rooted in clarity, trust, shared economic vision, and cultural connection, marking what both sides termed the dawn of a stronger and long-lasting India-Japan relationship.
