Japan has sent five young professionals to India under the Japan Foundation’s Nihongo Partners program, marking the first-ever dispatch of such participants to a South Asian country.
The five members gathered Monday at the Japanese Embassy in New Delhi, ahead of a six-month assignment in which they will assist Japanese language teachers and introduce Japanese culture at secondary schools across the Delhi region.
Strengthening Cultural Ties
Until now, the Nihongo Partners initiative has primarily focused on Southeast Asia, where thousands of young Japanese have supported language learning and cultural exchange. Expanding the program to India reflects the two nations’ growing partnership and shared interest in deeper people-to-people exchanges.
The Japan Foundation said the dispatch is part of a 10-year initiative to continuously send Nihongo Partners to India, following a bilateral agreement reached at last month’s Japan-India leaders’ summit.
Voices from the Participants
The new participants expressed excitement and determination to serve as cultural bridges.
- Hiroto Kishi, a 21-year-old university student from Chiba Prefecture aspiring to be a teacher, said:
“I will do my best to become a bridge between Japan and India.” - Kotori Takagi, a 23-year-old university student from Fukuoka Prefecture, said her decision to join was inspired by India’s food culture and the warmth of its people, which she experienced during a past visit.
“I want to show Japan as it really is,” she added.
A New Chapter in Exchange
Officials say the initiative is designed not only to promote Japanese language education in India, but also to help Indian students experience authentic aspects of Japanese daily life and traditions through direct interaction with young Japanese peers.
With India emerging as a key partner in Japan’s cultural and economic diplomacy, the Nihongo Partners program is expected to play a central role in strengthening mutual understanding between the two nations in the years ahead.
