In a landmark development for Japan–India relations, the Yamanashi–India Friendship Association was officially inaugurated on August 7, 2025, at the prestigious Tokiwa Hotel in Kofu City. The inaugural event, which also featured an India Seminar, marked a new chapter in fostering economic, cultural, and human-resource ties between Yamanashi Prefecture and India.
The association was launched by Yamanashi’s leading economic organizations, including the Prefectural Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with the goal of strengthening public–private collaboration and supporting both trade and personnel exchange. The initiative comes at a pivotal moment, as India’s economy continues to grow at an unprecedented pace, with projections suggesting its GDP may soon surpass Japan’s.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The event drew a distinguished gathering of industry leaders, government officials, and representatives from diverse organizations.
- Ambassador Sibi George, India’s Ambassador to Japan, congratulated the office bearers on the formation of the association and remarked, “The Yamanashi–India Friendship Association is a testament to the deepening friendship and growing economic partnership between our two countries. Through enhanced trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges, we can create opportunities that will benefit both India and Yamanashi for decades to come.”
- H.E. Mr. Kotaro Nagasaki, Governor of Yamanashi Prefecture, delivered a keynote address highlighting the prefecture’s commitment to building long-term partnerships with India.
- Mr. Nakaba Shindo, Chairman of the Yamanashi Prefectural Federation of Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Chairman of the Yamanashi–India Friendship Association, emphasized the importance of connecting Yamanashi businesses to the Indian market.
- Sonkiya Naveen, Executive Director, Yamanashi–India Friendship Association; President & CEO, Sekai Boeki Co., Ltd.expressed heartfelt gratitude to all attendees, calling the day “a stepping stone towards a strong, long-term partnership between India and Yamanashi.
Highlights from the India Seminar
The seminar offered valuable insights into:
- India’s rapid economic rise and its implications for Japanese businesses.
- Strategic opportunities for Yamanashi companies to engage with the Indian market.
- The need for proactive preparation in light of shifting global economic dynamics.
Planned Activities of the Association
The Yamanashi–India Friendship Association has outlined several key initiatives, including:
- Supporting Yamanashi enterprises in entering and expanding in India.
- Enhancing bilateral human-resource exchange.
- Collaborating closely with the prefectural government to develop sustainable economic partnerships.
Media Recognition in Japan
Japanese media outlets, including TBS News DIG (JNN) and UTY (Television Yamanashi), provided extensive coverage of the event, highlighting:
- The timeliness of the association’s formation given India’s economic momentum.
- Strong institutional backing from both public and private sectors.
- The long-term potential for trade, investment, tourism, and cultural cooperation.
A Strong Foundation for the Future
With the successful inauguration of the Yamanashi–India Friendship Association, both regions are poised to embark on a journey of deeper collaboration—uniting economic opportunity with cultural understanding.
