Lakshmi worshipped in Japan too: expert speaks on Japan-NE opportunities

Guwahati: India and Japan have connections most are unaware of. For instance, Indian deities Ganesha and Kuber, Saraswati, and Lakshmi are worshipped in Japan. Business North East recently caught up with Tomio Isogai, a freelance advisor on Indo-Japanese Relations, who visited Guwahati for the Indo-Japan educational conclave at Cotton University. He shared insights into the vast opportunities available for Indians, especially those from Northeast India, in Japan. He stressed the growing ties between India and Japan, spotlighting the successful training of caregivers from Northeast India and the cultural and economic links between the two nations. He contrasted India’s young population with Japan’s demographic decline, underscoring Japan’s need for manpower, especially from India. Isogai also highlighted shared cultural roots, including Buddhism and Indian deities worshipped in Japan. He discussed Japan’s future vision, including Society 5.0 and digital integration, with opportunities for collaboration, particularly involving Northeast India.

Here are excerpts from the interview:

Business Northeast: How do you see the current economic relationship between Japan and India?

Tomio Isogai: Excellent! There are already commitments. Both nations have committed to deeper economic cooperation. Japan will invest in India in the coming five years, as much as 5 trillion Japanese yen, which is approximately 2.8 lakh crore Indian rupees.

BNE: what is Japan's specific interest in investing in the northeastern region of India, particularly in sectors like infrastructure, energy, and technology?

Isogai: Yes, across various sectors, Northeast India will indeed require more investments and greater support. Technological support is essential for its infrastructure, along with building manufacturing sites and developing new marketing solutions. This is largely due to the region's unique geographical characteristics, such as its mountainous terrain and division into many areas, making quick access between regions difficult. These challenges can be addressed through innovations like internet-based virtual links and other technological advancements. Such solutions can be developed collaboratively between Japan and India.

BNE: Have you considered any technology transfer in the northeastern region of India?

Isogai: Yes, of course, particularly in the agriculture sector. We can work towards developing an ecosystem that will significantly enhance the quality and competitiveness of agricultural products. Northeast India has the potential to become an exporter, much like the famous Assam tea region. This model can be expanded to other areas of agriculture and other industries as well. 

BNE: Assam is now considered a gateway to Southeast Asia. What are your thoughts on this?

Isogai: This is also a significant advantage for Northeast India, given its geographical connection to other parts of Asia, particularly Eastern Asia. Bangladesh is another developing country with a growing market, and nearby are Myanmar and other Southeast Asian nations. As such, Northeast India can serve as a gateway for new trade activities. If the region can develop unique, high-quality products - especially in the agriculture sector or other industries, it has the potential to become an important export hub, which would be a major advantage for the region.

BNE: What are your thoughts on investing in the solar energy sector in the northeastern region?

Isogai: It can definitely be developed, as has been done in other parts of India. The infrastructure and energy sectors, in particular, could benefit from this. There is still a need for improvement in utilising electricity, water, and other natural resources in the region. Solar energy systems could be one way to make better use of these resources and help address these challenges."