KIZUNA 2026, the 6th India–Japan Intellectual Conclave, will be held from 26–28 February 2026 in Shillong, a scenic hill city in Northeast India often regarded as a gateway to Southeast Asia. The word Kizuna (絆) translates to “bonds,” reflecting the core mission of the conclave: strengthening lasting ties of culture, innovation, and friendship between India and Japan.
Launched in 2021, KIZUNA has evolved into a significant annual platform dedicated to deepening bilateral cooperation across strategic, economic, academic, and cultural domains. The 2026 edition marks a meaningful moment as India and Japan continue to expand their long-standing diplomatic partnership into more action-oriented collaboration.
The event is organized by Asian Confluence in partnership with the Embassy of Japan in India and India’s Ministry of External Affairs, reflecting strong institutional backing from both nations.
Focus Areas: Innovation Meets Culture
KIZUNA 2026 places a special emphasis on India’s Northeast region and the broader Bay of Bengal area, positioning the region as a strategic hub for Indo-Pacific collaboration.
The conclave will focus on key sectors including:
- Advanced manufacturing and semiconductors
- Clean energy and circular economy initiatives
- Logistics and connectivity infrastructure
- Education, skilling, and talent mobility
These discussions aim to translate high-level dialogue into concrete partnerships, joint ventures, and regional development initiatives.
At the same time, KIZUNA remains deeply rooted in cultural exchange. The final day of the conclave will feature a dedicated cultural program showcasing Indian and Japanese music, dance, and artistic traditions. Exhibitions highlighting the heritage, landscapes, and ethnic diversity of Northeast India will celebrate people-to-people connections alongside economic collaboration.
Program Highlights
KIZUNA 2026 will feature:
- High-level dialogues between Indian and Japanese policymakers on strategic partnerships in Northeast India
- Business roundtables focused on semiconductors, renewable energy, and industrial ecosystems
- Panels on workforce development and cross-border talent exchange
- Curated site visits to emerging investment and infrastructure projects in the region
- Cultural exhibitions and performances celebrating Indo-Japan friendship
The overarching vision is to move “from dialogue to action,” bridging strategy with tangible outcomes.
Participants & Stakeholders
The conclave will convene a wide spectrum of stakeholders from government, academia, industry, and civil society.
From India, participants are expected to include senior state leaders such as Conrad Sangma and Himanta Biswa Sarma, alongside national policymakers and parliamentarians.
From Japan, representation typically includes senior diplomats such as Ono Keiichi, leaders of major development and trade agencies, and corporate executives exploring opportunities in Northeast India.
Development institutions, research organizations, Japanese corporations, and universities from both countries are also expected to participate, reinforcing KIZUNA’s role as a public-private-academic partnership platform.
A Growing Legacy
Since its inception, KIZUNA has been hosted across cities including Agartala, Guwahati, and Shillong. Each edition has strengthened institutional dialogue and expanded collaboration in sectors ranging from renewable energy to logistics and digital innovation.
The 2025 edition in Guwahati, themed around co-creating ecosystems for change, emphasized technology, education, and infrastructure development. It also integrated cultural storytelling and heritage exhibitions, reinforcing the dual focus on innovation and tradition.
Over time, KIZUNA has evolved from a forum for dialogue into a platform that nurtures implementation-driven partnerships and long-term strategic engagement.
Vision and Significance
KIZUNA 2026 aims to build what organizers describe as an “infrastructure of trust” between India and Japan. By highlighting Northeast India’s strategic location and economic potential, the conclave seeks to align India’s Act East policy with Japan’s Indo-Pacific vision.
More than a conference, KIZUNA represents a shared commitment to co-creation whether through technology parks, skill development initiatives, clean energy projects, or cultural exchange programs.
As India and Japan continue to strengthen their bilateral partnership, KIZUNA 2026 stands as a powerful symbol of collaboration weaving together culture, innovation, and friendship into enduring bonds that extend far beyond the conclave itself.
Original source: https://www.japancalling.in/post/kizuna-2026-india-japan-intellectual-conclave
Original written by: Joydeep Chakroborty
