Deputy Governor of Hokkaido, Japan Meets Maharashtra Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha

Mumbai, Jan 2026 : Maharashtra’s youth with skill training will soon have employment opportunities in Japan, with a decision expected within the next three months, informed Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Minister for Skill Development, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation. The Deputy Governor of Hokkaido Province, Kano Takayuki, met Minister Lodha at his office along with a delegation.

During the meeting, discussions focused on the high demand for skilled manpower in Japan and the potential employment opportunities for trained Indian youth. Present were Manisha Verma, Additional Chief Secretary of Skill Development Department; Dr. Amit Saini, Commissioner of Skill Development; Dr. Apoorva Palkar, Vice-Chancellor of Ratan Tata Maharashtra State Skill University; Madhavi Sardeshmukh, Director of Directorate of Vocational Education and Training; Toshinori Naito, Senior Director of Japan’s International Affairs Department; Eiji Yamamoto, Director of Foreign Manpower Department; Makoto Takahashi, Director of International Business Department; and Hiroe Mikami, Head of International Business Exchange Department. Interpretation was provided by interpreter Yuka Igarashi.

Hokkaido, the northernmost province of Japan, accounts for nearly 22% of the country’s area. The province has a significant need for manpower in agriculture, fisheries, industry, construction, infrastructure, and nursing. To address this, Hokkaido has actively pursued international partnerships, and the delegation’s visit to meet Minister Lodha was part of this initiative.

Minister Lodha highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasizes skill development to keep Indian manpower globally employable. Under the guidance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra’s Skill Development Department is actively working to provide employment opportunities for the state’s youth in various countries. He also mentioned efforts at Swami Vivekananda Skill Development Institute in Vidyavihar to provide both skill training and Japanese language education.

Deputy Governor Kano Takayuki noted that Japan offers substantial opportunities in agriculture, medical services, technical trades, construction, and service sectors. Indian youth are highly efficient workers, and Hokkaido is keen to employ skilled and trained Indian manpower on a large scale.

This meeting strengthens the international collaboration between Maharashtra and Japan, aiming to provide meaningful employment avenues for Indian youth while fulfilling Hokkaido’s manpower requirements.