Minister Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar Meets Japan Embassy Officials

New Delhi : Yesterday, Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar, Minister of State for Labour, Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (LESDE), held a meeting with two First Secretaries from the Japan Embassy—Mr. Hagiwara Ryusuke and Ms. Tsubakimoto Mayumi—at Mizoram House in Chanakyapuri. The meeting focused on exploring various employment opportunities for Mizo youth in Japan.

Minister Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar highlighted that although Mizoram is a small state with a limited workforce, its youth are skilled and capable—especially in sectors currently in high demand in Japan, such as nursing, caregiving, and hospitality. “Japan has the demand, and we have the supply. Through initiatives by the LESDE Department, many Mizo youth are already working in Japan, and we aim to expand this further,” he said, expressing his appreciation for Japan Embassy’s support.

He further mentioned the admiration Mizo youth have for Japanese culture. “Our young people actively participate in cosplay events, reflecting their deep appreciation for Japanese culture. We hope this cultural connection can evolve into practical cooperation, strengthening the bonds between Mizoram and Japan.” He also shared the state’s willingness to collaborate with Japanese organizations on these matters.

As Sports Minister, Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar also spoke on the importance of sports in uniting communities and fostering youth engagement. He stated that Mizoram has a vision for Olympic 2036 participation and is currently working with JICA to bring in professional sports coaches for Olympic disciplines.

The Japan Embassy officials expressed appreciation for Mizoram’s unique culture and the potential of its youth. Compared to other Indian states, they noted that fewer individuals from Mizoram are currently working in Japan. However, they acknowledged the high skill level of Mizo youth, especially in caregiving and nursing, and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting government efforts to expand such opportunities. They also agreed on the importance of enhancing ties through sports and cultural exchange and expressed readiness to explore collaborations with organizations across India and Japan.

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to continue deeper dialogue and cooperation between LESDE and the Japan Embassy.