Nepal-Japan Bonhomie

Nepal-Japan relations date back to the 18th century. The ties became formal with the establishment of diplomatic relations on September 1, 1956.  Marked by goodwill, friendliness, and cooperation, the time-tested ties endure notwithstanding the change of governments and global highs and lows.  President Ramchandra Paudel recently visited Japan to attend special events, marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.  

During his visit, President Paudel graced a special reception in Tokyo, organised by the Japanese government to commemorate the anniversary, and addressed the ceremony. He also paid a courtesy call on Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace. In addition, he held courtesy meetings with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Japan's State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Iwao Harii. President Paudel also addressed the programmes organised by the Japanese business community and the Nepali diaspora.  

During the meeting, the president appreciated the role played by Japan as an important and reliable development partner in Nepal's socio-economic development. The Japanese Prime Minister noted that Japan and Nepal have built friendly relations based on a long history of people-to-people exchanges, including student and mountaineering exchanges. The four-day visit remains pivotal in rekindling the fire of the friendship, paving the way for further cooperation. 

For countless Nepalis, Japan has been an attractive labour and education destination, with hundreds of thousands living there. That fascination is reciprocated by the Japanese tourists in equal measure, who have been coming in large numbers either on their pilgrimage to Lumbini or to delight in the age-old traditions, cultural artifacts, temples, and wildlife, among other attractions. The friendly nature of Nepalis also remains a big draw.

Japan is Nepal's old friend and an important development partner. Its assistance is pronounced in infrastructure development. It has built critical infrastructure that underpins the national economy. The BP Highway linking Kathmandu with eastern Tarai, the game-changer Nagdhunga Tunnel, and major upgrades to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) stand as major examples. 

On energy sector, Japanese aid has been instrumental in the development of the Kulekhani and Kali Gandaki hydropower projects. On the agriculture and rural development front, Japanese assistance has remained a cornerstone in improving irrigation, introducing high-value products, and enhancing farming technology to improve farmer livelihoods. 

As for health and education, Japan has helped build schools and hospitals. Kanti Children’s Hospital and Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital are the prime examples. It has also provided extensive support for immunisation programmes, as well as the construction of thousands of classrooms. 

Regarding disaster management and water Supply, there has been extensive support for critical water supply projects in Kathmandu. And, as for human resource development, Japan has trained thousands of Nepalis in various fields and mobilised volunteers to work directly in local communities. All this assistance has had a game-changing impact on Nepal's development, contributing significantly to socio-economic growth, poverty reduction, and modernisation.

We cannot thank Japan enough for this and more support. Japan’s development cooperation is not only highly impactful but is also rooted in trust, empathy, and respect for people – a feature that is highly appreciated by Nepalis. Japan is a highly developed country with an advanced economy. Taking a leaf out of its development book benefits us highly.