Nagaland Opens Japanese Language Centre to Boost Overseas Job Prospects

Kohima: Nagaland opened a Japanese Language Centre on July 15 to coincide with World Youth Skills Day. The facility operates under the Nagaland Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Mission. It aims to bridge the gap between local workers and international job markets, specifically in Japan.

Temjenmenba, Advisor for Higher Education and Technical Education, inaugurated the site. He pushed for a shift toward private sector careers and new technology fields like artificial intelligence and machine learning. He told the crowd, "Government jobs alone cannot meet the aspirations of the growing number of educated youth."

The state government, led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, is backing the mission. Vineet Kumar, Additional Secretary and Project Manager of the mission, shared updated metrics on the program. Since October 2025, it has trained over 3,500 people. Roughly 800 students are in training right now, while over 1,000 have already found work or started businesses.

The program honored 15 youth achievers during the launch event. These role models work in fields ranging from masonry and automobile servicing to beauty, wellness, and hospitality. Officials noted that some of these graduates are now hiring others. The centre represents a deepening partnership between Nagaland and Japan, serving as a new hub to prepare workers for high-demand overseas roles.