The Forum, meeting after a gap of seven years, underlined key areas for enhanced bilateral cooperation, including green energy, electric mobility, space technology, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, digital technology, data centers, healthcare, and electronics.

In his address, Mr. Kalyani emphasized the strategic importance of the India-Japan partnership, describing it as a resilient and vital force for global economic security and sustainable growth, particularly against the backdrop of ongoing trade uncertainties. Mr. Kalyani highlighted several medium-term focus areas to further strengthen the partnership.

He stressed the need to build greater resilience in global value chains by leveraging India and Japan’s complementary strengths, while also welcoming increased Japanese investments in India across banking, financial services, and the establishment of global capability centers. He underlined the importance of co-creating and co-developing solutions for Society 5.0, the vision of a technology-driven, human-centered society. He also called for the creation of joint standard-setting bodies to drive mutual recognition agreements across sectors, and emphasized the significance of skill mobility and human exchange, noting India’s demographic advantage in providing a young and skilled workforce to support Japan’s evolving needs.

Mr. Kalyani and Mr. Tsutsui-san, Chairman of Keidanren, collectively submitted the Joint Forum Report to the Prime Ministers. The report outlines recommendations and opportunities to take the India-Japan partnership to the next level.

The Joint Statement outlined a series of forward-looking initiatives designed to enhance strategic autonomy, strengthen cooperation, and diversify bilateral economic ties for sustainable growth. These include:

• Revising the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA),
• Amending the tax treaty, and supporting India’s potential accession to the CPTPP;
• Launching an India-Japan Private-Sector Dialogue on Economic Security;
• Advancing decarbonisation through clean energy technologies and the Joint Crediting Mechanism.  
• Strengthen cooperation across semiconductors, smart manufacturing, and AI
• Promoting SME and startup collaborations
• Expanding partnerships in third-country markets like Africa, and promoting greater talent and cultural exchange.
• Both sides also discussed bilateral cooperation in the space sector as well as potential for collaboration in film, animation, gaming, and extended reality (XR).

The occasion reaffirmed that the India-Japan economic partnership is entering a new era of innovation and shared prosperity, creating a win-win model for both nations and the global economy.

The post Bharat Forge’s CMD Baba Kalyani Co-Chairs the 12th India-Japan Business Leaders Forum appeared first on NRI News.

With an extensive portfolio of omnichannel acquiring and issuing solutions, Phi Commerce is a Reserve Bank of India-licensed payment aggregator that has transformed the digital payments landscape in India. Its unified platform enables seamless transactions across online, in-store (PoS), and on-the-go channels, while its issuing solutions support end-to-end management of credit, debit, and prepaid cards. Phi Commerce’s partners include large enterprises, banks, and payment companies that use its solutions to drive scalability, speed, and efficiency in digital payments.

As part of this strategic collaboration, DGFT will exclusively distribute Phi Commerce’s solutions in Japan. The partnership is focused on adapting Phi Commerce’s unified payment platform to meet the specific needs of the Japanese market, creating a robust processing infrastructure for local card and payment companies. As part of the broader collaboration, Digital Garage has also extended a strategic investment through its group company, reinforcing its commitment to the partnership’s long-term success.

This partnership is built on two key pillars: cutting-edge technology and an established market reach. By combining Phi Commerce’s expertise in payments technology with DGFT’s deep understanding of the Japanese payments landscape, this partnership aims to transform digital payments in Japan, making them more seamless, scalable, and ready for the future. This partnership represents Phi Commerce’s commitment to global excellence, demonstrating the company’s readiness to take on new markets and drive innovation at scale.

“Under the Digital Garage Group strategy ‘DG FinTech Shift,’ DGFT has provided various payment solutions that support critical social infrastructure. Through the strategic partnership between the Digital Garage Group and Phi Commerce, DGFT aims to contribute to the business growth of a wider range of businesses by promoting the deployment of Phi Commerce’s solutions in Japan and accelerating its business toward the realization of a safe and secure cashless society. Additionally, Phi Commerce is located in Pune, the center of IT development in India, as is DGFT’s development organization, DG FutureTech India, and we look forward to strengthening our collaboration in terms of technology development,” Hiroshi Shino, Director, Digital Garage / President, DGFT, said.

“This partnership is a proud moment for Phi Commerce and a defining step in our global growth. Entering a sophisticated market like Japan is no small feat — it requires the right technology, the right partner, and the right approach. With DGFT, we have found a trusted collaborator who understands the local landscape deeply.  This also reflects the growing connection between India and Japan in advancing the digital economy. Together with DGFT, we aim to simplify and elevate the payments experience, creating real impact through shared expertise and innovation,” Jose Thattil, CEO and Co-Founder, Phi Commerce, said.

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INDIA:  A key stretch of Mumbai Metro Line 3, from Dharavi to Acharya Atre Chowk, has been inaugurated, marking steady progress in the city’s underground metro network. The project is being implemented by the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL), with financial assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under the Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) program, in partnership with the Government of India.

Commenting on the occasion, TAKEUCHI Takuro, Chief Representative of JICA India, said, “The partial opening of Mumbai Metro Line 3 highlights our shared commitment to strengthening sustainable urban mobility in India. It brings us closer to realizing a more efficient, inclusive, and environmentally friendly transport network in Mumbai. By offering faster, more accessible commute options, this line will significantly improve the daily travel experience of thousands of passengers. Our cooperation with the Government of India and MMRCL has been instrumental in this achievement, and we remain committed to supporting the successful completion of the full corridor.”

Mumbai Metro Line 3, spanning approximately 34 kilometers, is the city’s first underground metro line and will connect the southern business district of Cuffe Parade to SEEPZ in north-central Mumbai. With 26 underground and 1 at-grade station, the project is expected to significantly reduce congestion, shorten travel times, and provide a safer, more comfortable commuting experience. Once fully operational, it is expected to serve about 1.5 million passengers daily, with trains running every three to four minutes. 6 stations have become operational in this phase, bringing the total number of operational stations to 16.​Travel time from the airport to Acharya Atre Chowk Station will be reduced to approximately 27 minutes. Passengers will be able to travel this section in less than half the time it would take by car.  

In addition to enhancing urban mobility, the project promotes inclusive travel through features such as women-only coaches, priority seating, and surveillance systems to enhance safety in both stations and trains. The operationalization of this section is expected to provide immediate benefits to daily commuters while contributing to broader climate goals by easing road traffic congestion and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by an estimated 261,968 tons of CO₂ equivalent annually.

The total cost of the Mumbai Metro Line 3 project is estimated at JPY 680,692 million, with JICA providing financial support of JPY 354,132 million through five tranches since 2013.

As a key initiative under JICA’s partnership with India, the Mumbai Metro Line 3 project is a step toward building a modern, connected, and climate-resilient urban future. By improving everyday access to safe, affordable, and efficient public transport, the project not only enhances quality of life for millions of commuters but also supports broader goals around reducing emissions, easing traffic congestion, and shaping sustainable cities for tomorrow.

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With a population exceeding 1.4 billion, India holds immense potential for growth and opportunities abroad. NSDC International is proactively developing high-quality human resources under the Government of India’s “Skill India Mission”. By enhancing skills and facilitating work opportunities abroad, NSDC International aims to support industrial development and ensure a brighter future for the Indian workforce.

Japan faces a growing demand for care personnel, due to an aging population and declining birth rate. To address these social challenges, Sompo Care and NSDC International have agreed to collaborate by offering training programs and promoting the acceptance of skilled Indian personnel in Japan’s nursing care sector. This partnership aims to bridge the gap and enhance the quality of care services in Japan. This collaboration aims to provide mutual benefits by addressing the workforce shortages in Japan and creating employment opportunities for skilled Indian professionals.

Speaking about the partnership, Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO, NSDC & MD, NSDC International said, “We are thrilled to announce the commencement of our collaboration with SOMPO Care Inc. This partnership marks a significant milestone for NSDC International, as it allows us to provide specialized training programs for Indian nursing care personnel, enhancing their skills and preparing them for opportunities in Japan. Together, we aim to bridge the gap in healthcare services and support the global demand for skilled nursing professionals. This initiative not only opens new avenues for our workforce but also strengthens the bond between India and Japan in the field of healthcare.”

Takamitsu Washimi, Representative Director, President, and CEO, of Sompo Care said, “We are very pleased to begin our collaboration with NSDC International. Guided by our management’s philosophy of “Respect for Humanity,” we aim to provide optimal care tailored to each elderly individual and are committed to developing care personnel with specialized knowledge and skills. We are confident that the training program, developed based on our expertise and experience, will enhance the skills of Indian care personnel. We hope that those who complete the training will work with a sense of fulfillment and pride in Japan’s nursing care sector. Through this collaboration, we aspire to build a better future through cooperation between Japan and India.”

The first initiative under this collaboration is a pilot project set to commence in August 2024 and run through 2025. This project will involve, providing Indian nursing care personnel with nine months of comprehensive education and training in India, following which they will be accepted as specified skilled workers at Sompo Care facilities in Japan.

Sompo Care, leveraging its extensive knowledge and experience in Japan, will develop original training programs in addition to the Japanese language courses conducted by NSDC International. These programs will emphasize understanding Japanese style nursing care, learning practical care terminology, and mastering cross-cultural communication. Training will include online modules, e-learning, and practical care skills sessions conducted on-site in India.

The objective is to develop highly motivated and skilled Indian nursing care personnel ready for immediate deployment. Sompo Care will continue to support their professional growth even after they begin working in its facilities. In the future, Sompo Care envisions that those who gain experience as nursing care staff in Japan will contribute significantly to the nursing care industry in India.

The effectiveness of the pilot project and training program will be rigorously evaluated and refined as needed. Based on the results, Sompo Care will explore the potential for expanding operations in India and aim to establish a full-scale collaboration model.

Sompo Care is committed to addressing nursing care-related social issues both within and outside Japan by utilizing its expertise and operations in Japan, a country at the forefront of nursing care challenges. Through this collaboration, Sompo Care strives to achieve “security, health, and well-being” globally.

In the broader context of SOMPO Holdings’ commitment to global healthcare, Universal Sompo General Insurance Company Ltd. plays a significant role in India by distributing non-life insurance coverage nationwide. Both Universal Sompo and Sompo Care are investee companies of SOMPO Holdings, reflecting the group’s diverse efforts to enhance health and well-being across borders.

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• IN-PERSON
• Fri 16 Feb 20248:30 – 9:30 a.m.
• 725 Park Ave, New York, NY 10021
• Click for directions; BUY TICKETS

NEW YORK: Last fall, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida made a significant move by appointing five women to his cabinet, notably including the first female foreign minister in over two decades. Demonstrating a commitment to gender diversity, Kishida has also set an ambitious target of achieving a 30% representation of women in executive positions within prime-listed companies by 2030. While these initiatives are welcome, persistent challenges and untapped opportunities remain for Japanese women in the workplace. They continue to face issues such as unequal pay, being hired for “temporary” jobs with fewer benefits, and enduring long hours, which make child-rearing more difficult, among other obstacles.

How can Japan effectively address these challenges, maximize the role of women, and harness their crucial contributions to the nation’s economic revitalization? Additionally, what insights and lessons can the U.S. or other societies offer Japan in this pursuit? What further steps could be taken by the government or in the workplace to promote gender diversity? To explore these critical questions, the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) invites you to join an engaging discussion featuring distinguished speakers, including Wendy Cutler, ASPI Vice President; Joshua Walker, President and CEO at the Japan Society; and Akiko Yamahara, General Counsel at Citi Private Bank. The discussion will be moderated by Rorry Daniels, ASPI Managing Director.

SPEAKERS

Wendy Cutler is Vice President at the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) and the managing director of the Washington, D.C. office. She joined ASPI following an illustrious career of nearly three decades as a diplomat and negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), where she also served as Acting Deputy U.S. Trade Representative. During her USTR career, she worked on a range of bilateral, regional, and multilateral trade negotiations and initiatives, including the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, U.S.-China negotiations, and the WTO Financial Services negotiations.

Joshua Walker serves as the President and CEO of the Japan Society. He brings more than two decades of international business diplomacy to this role, most recently serving as Global Head of Strategic Initiatives and Japan in the Office of the President at Eurasia Group the world’s leading political risk consultancy. Previous to that role, he was CEO and president of the USA Pavilion of the 2017 World Expo in Astana, Kazakhstan; founding dean of the APCO Institute; senior vice president of global programs at APCO Worldwide, and Senior Fellow at the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress. Before joining the private sector, he worked in numerous roles at various US government agencies, including the State Department and the Defense Department.

Akiko Yamahara is the Global General Counsel for Citi Global Wealth and Citi Private Bank, and a member of the Legal Management Committee. With over two decades of legal expertise, she initially joined Citigroup in 2003, focusing on investment banking. During her eight years in Tokyo, she expanded her role to become the General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer, overseeing Citi’s entire Japan franchise. She is a Steering Committee member for the Asian Heritage Network and represents Citi at the National Women’s Law Center. Additionally, she has served on the Board of Overseers at Temple University Japan since 2023.

Rorry Daniels (moderator) is the Managing Director of the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI), where she leads and oversees strategy and operations for ASPI’s projects on security, climate change, and trade throughout Asia. She is also a Senior Fellow with ASPI’s Center for China Analysis. She was previously with the National Committee on American Foreign Policy where she managed the organization’s Track II and research portfolio on Asia security issues, with a particular focus on cross-Taiwan Strait relations, U.S.-China relations, and the North Korean nuclear program. Her most recent research project audited the U.S.-China Strategic & Economic Dialogue to evaluate its process and outcomes.

The post Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in Japan’s Womenomics appeared first on NRI News.

PUNE: Pune is all set to host its first-ever ‘Japanese Film Festival India’ (JFF). The sixth edition of the festival is being presented by The Japan Foundation from the 11th to the 14th of January 2024 at PVR ICON, The Pavillion Mall, Senapati Bapat Road. The festival tickets will be available at PVR and on BookMyShow.

Speaking about the initiative Koji Sato – Director General, The Japan Foundation, Delhi, said, “This is the sixth edition of our film festival in India. The overwhelming response we have received here has made JFF India an annual event and we are positive about continuing this tradition. Japanese Anime is very popular amongst Indians and we have slowly seen this popularity also increase for Japanese feature films.”

“Pune was one of our cities of choice as we have witnessed a grand response from Punekars for all Japanese Initiatives, be it business projects or cultural festivals,” he added further.

Part of the four-month-long touring festival spread across seven Indian cities, Pune is set to be the sixth city before the festival concludes in Kolkata. The highlight of this year’s annual JFF India is the screening of the popular Anime from the ‘Detective Conan’ universe and the 4K re-mastered edition of ‘Lupin The 3rd: The Castle of Cagliostro,’ the first anime film directed by Filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki in 1979. It will also showcase 11 masterpieces, including ‘A Man’, ‘Anime Supremacy!,’ ‘Intolerance,’ ‘MONDAYS: See you “this” week!’ ‘Father of the Milky Way Railroad,’ ‘Detective Conan: Episode “ONE”’ ‘Detective Conan the Movie: Crossroad in the Ancient Capital,’ ‘We Made a Beautiful Bouquet,’ ‘Detective Conan the Movie: The Last Wizard of the Century,’ and Hirokazu Kore-eda’s latest award-winning film, ‘Monster.’

This festival is supported by Geek Pictures as the Creative Partner and Comix Wave Films.

The Japan Foundation is Japan’s only institution dedicated to carrying out comprehensive international cultural exchange programs throughout the world. To deepen mutual understanding between the people of Japan and other countries and regions, our various activities and information services create opportunities for interpersonal interactions. The Japan Foundation develops programs in three different fields—Arts and Cultural Exchange, Japanese- Language Education Overseas, and Japanese Studies and Global Partnerships.

The Japan Foundation has a global network consisting of the Tokyo headquarters, the Kyoto Office, two Japanese-language institutes, and 26 overseas offices in 25 countries.

For further information, please visit: https://www.jpf.go.jp/e/index.html or https://nd.jpf.go.jp/

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PUNE: The Japanese delicacy ‘Sushi’ has traveled the world and has become a global phenomenon. Foodies have enjoyed its tantalising taste however not much is known about the origin of ‘Sushi’ and how over the years it has transcended the ordinary to become a global trend. Punekar’s now has a chance to explore this aspect with the traveling ‘I Love Sushi-Exhibition 2024’ wherein people can learn all about ‘Sushi’ via posters, photographs, and audio-visual films. Please note that it is an informative exhibition about the journey of ‘Sushi’ and you treat your eyes only, there will be no opportunity to taste.

The one-of-its-kind exhibition is co-organized by the Japan Foundation and the Consulate General of Japan in Mumbai, supported by the Indo-Japan Business Council from 8th to 20th January 2024 from 10 am to 5 pm on all days. The exhibition is being hosted by MIT World Peace University (WPU), Kothrud, Chanakya Building – Entrance from the MIT Back gate near Swpnapurti Hall. The entry for the exhibition is open and free for all.

Speaking about the initiative, Siddharth Deshmukh said, “The ‘I Love Sushi-Exhibition 2024’ presents a vibrant showcase of the metamorphosis of ‘Sushi’, unraveling its ancient origins from the moment it first graced the shores of Japan. It will display the myriad ways ‘Sushi’ has been enjoyed from traditional techniques to avant-garde creations with the help of interesting posters, photographs, and films. The traveling exhibition is usually organized in Asian cities that have the presence of a Japan Consulate or the Japan Embassy; however, we are extremely proud that Pune is the first city to get the distinction of hosting this exhibition even though it does not have a Japan Consulate or a Japan Embassy“.

One can watch the rich tapestry of Edo-style Sushi culture, where the iconic ‘nigirizushi’ was born during the Edo period, which is considered the golden era for ‘Sushi’ aficionados. The exhibition will also include a detailed display of a typical ‘Sushi’ restaurant counter along with the intriguing demonstration of a Kaiten-Sushi (conveyor-belt) Sushi restaurant.

The exhibition will be inaugurated on Monday 8th January, at 12noon, in the presence of Dr. Rahul Karad – Managing Trustee and Executive President, MIT Group of Institutions, Megumi Hamuro – Culture Council, Consulate of Japan in Mumbai, Tomonari Kuroda – Language Advisor, Japan Foundation, Ravi Kumar Chitnis – Vice Chancellor, MIT-WPU and Siddharth Deshmukh – Co-Founder and President, Indo-Japan Business Council (IJBC).

The post Witness the Fascinating Journey of ‘Sushi’ as it Travelled from Japan to the Rest of the World appeared first on NRI News.

The event will also include coffee and pastries.

Interested individuals can register for the event on the Asia Society website.

IN-PERSON EVENT on Wed 06 Sep 20238:30 – 9:30 a.m.

Location Address: 725 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10021

Click for Directions

The post How are the U.S. and Japan Shaping the Future of the Indo-Pacific? appeared first on NRI News.

MUMBAI: “Spiritual closeness between India and Japan is very deep. Indian people and Japanese people can understand each other. Relations between the two countries are the closest in the world. India and Japan are natural allies” said Yasukata Fukahori, Consul-General of Japan in Mumbai.

Yasukata Fukahori was speaking at the second edition of ABP Network’s “Ideas of India” Summit 2023, on the topic of “India and Japan, Seventy Years of Friendship.” The summit has brought together policymakers, cultural ambassadors, industry experts, celebrities, and business leaders to discuss the critical role of India during the global churn and changing dynamics.

Commenting on the future of Indo-Japanese economic ties, Fukahori, said, “I predict a bright future between India and Japan economically.”

He further added, “Achieving the 5 trillion yen investment target in India within the next five years seems attainable. There is optimism that investments will continue to flow into India, and the cultural closeness between the nations also aids in this endeavor,”

The second edition of ABP Network’s “Ideas of India” Summit is being held on the theme “Naya India: Looking Inward, Reaching Out.” Along with global leaders, 60 eminent national and international speakers will share the stage this time. The two-day event primarily addresses India’s stand as a burgeoning economy and global leader in shaping the future.

The post Japan considers India a natural ally appeared first on NRI News.

Dr. Ravikumar Chitnis, Vice Chancellor, MIT World Peace University, IJBC President Siddharth Deshmukh, Vice President Abhishek Choudhury, its Past President Anil Hatkar, Japan International Cooperation Agency India (JICA) representative Mario Kato, Sachin Kalse from Fujitsu, Onkar Bari, Prashant Khinvasara and Shefali Tiwari from IJBC, were present on the occasion.

“I emphasize that the Japanese government considers Maharashtra a powerhouse of the Indian economy and Pune is a part of it. Quality infrastructure in Maharashtra, which the Japanese government has been working on very hard, is another growth story waiting to happen,” Kaneko said.

To elaborate on his point, the Chief Consul gave examples of five projects – Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train, Colaba-Seepz Metro 3 in Mumbai, Mumbai-Trans Harbour Link, Delhi-Mumbai Dedicated Freight Corridor, Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, which are coming up in the state. “All these projects together will create efficient, smooth, and environment-friendly transport infrastructure for further economic development in Maharashtra,” added Kaneko. The Chief Consul also said that the Indo-Japan relationship, which was celebrating the 70th year of its diplomatic relationship, was a key to the “stability and prosperity” of the international community.    

Deshmukh said that it was the fourth edition of Konnichiwa Pune and it was special to host the event during the 70th anniversary of Indo-Japan diplomatic relations and the emphasis was on people-to-people connections, including education and student exchange.

Chitnis said that India and Japan were connected through Buddhism 1500 years ago and that business would happen if we understand the cultures.

A video message of Shishir Kothari, Commercial Representative, Embassy of India in Japan, was also shown and he praised IJBC for hosting ‘Konnichiwa Pune 2022’.

As part of Konnichiwa Pune, the Indo-Japan Education conference will take place on Saturday at the MCCIA. The Phoenix Marketcity in Viman Nagar will host cultural events, which will see performances by Japanese and Indian artists, on Saturday and Sunday from 3 PM.

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