SHILLONG: The road and hydro projects in Meghalaya under Indo-Japanese collaboration is on right track.
The recent India-International Cherry Blossom Festival held in the city saw Japan feature prominently. Attractions like Japanese Cosplay, Japanese Judokan, Japanese drummers and screening of Japanese films familiarised Shillongites with the rich arts and culture of Japan.
From the economic front, Japan is actively involved in many projects with the state and the central governments. The JICA project, especially, is one which aims at development of roads and hydro electric power.
In a conversation with The Shillong Times, Kyohei Yamamoto, Economic Researcher and Adviser, Embassy of Japan, said the historical tie with the North East goes back to the Battles of Imphal and Kohima during the Second World War.
“This region is the juncture of South East Asia and South Asia, and is thus important geographically and strategically. The Act East Policy and Free and Open India-Pacific Strategy in Japan converge in the North East,” said Yamamoto.
Yamamoto confirmed that an Exchange of Notes (EN) had been signed on the two JICA projects. “The Shillong-Dawki and Tura-Dalu road networking projects are ongoing. The Hydro Electric Power Project at Umiam will be looked into.”
When asked on which areas the Indo-Japan collaboration will focus, Yamamoto added, “Infrastructure, electricity, power plants, water, health and disaster management are the main problems India faces.”
Students Exchange Programme
Yamamoto observed that Shillong, being more cosmopolitan than other North East states, is a cultural centre. In terms of further developing the arts and culture ties between Japan and Meghalaya, he divulged that the Embassy of Japan will focus on student exchange programmes.
“The IRIS and JENESYS (Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths) programmes will help in dispatch of local students to Kyoto University, University of Tokyo etc. There is also a plan to establish a Japanese Cultural centre at NEHU,” he said.
The ambassador of the Embassy of Japan Kenji Hiramatsu was present on day one of Cherry Blossom Festival. In May this year, he participated in cherry blossom planting on the Raj Bhavan premises with former Meghalaya governor Ganga Prasad.
Yamamoto observed that the climate and geographical features of Shillong are akin to Japan. “Certain plants here like pine trees, cherry blossoms and pears remind me of Japan,” he said.
