Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s recent official visit to Japan marked a significant step in deepening India–Japan relations while firmly positioning Uttar Pradesh as a preferred global investment destination.
The two-day visit, which began around February 25, 2026, was his first official trip to Japan and followed a highly productive engagement in Singapore, where the state secured investment proposals worth nearly ₹1 lakh crore and finalized MoUs valued at approximately ₹60,000 crore. Building on that momentum, the Japan visit focused on economic collaboration, technological partnerships, and sustainable development initiatives.
Upon arrival in Tokyo, the Chief Minister was warmly received by Junichi Ishidara, Vice Governor of Yamanashi Prefecture, setting a constructive tone for the visit. The highlight of the trip was the Uttar Pradesh Investment Roadshow held in Tokyo, where CM Yogi addressed leading Japanese industrialists and entrepreneurs. He invited them to explore the vast opportunities emerging in Uttar Pradesh, underlining the state’s investor-friendly policies, modern infrastructure, improved law and order, and large skilled workforce.
A major announcement during the roadshow was the proposed Japan Industrial City near the upcoming Noida International Airport. Designed exclusively for Japanese companies, this dedicated industrial zone aims to provide a seamless ecosystem for manufacturing, logistics, and technology-driven enterprises. The project promises streamlined regulatory processes, world-class infrastructure, and strategic connectivity to domestic and international markets, making Uttar Pradesh an attractive base for Japanese investments.
The visit also underscored collaboration in clean energy and sustainability. CM Yogi toured the Yamanashi Hydrogen Facility, where he observed Japan’s advanced Power-to-Gas system that converts renewable electricity into hydrogen for energy storage and utilization. Describing it as a model for future India–Japan cooperation, he emphasized Uttar Pradesh’s commitment to green hydrogen and clean mobility. He also promoted IIT Kanpur as a potential Centre of Excellence for joint research in clean energy technologies, highlighting the state’s strong academic and innovation base. The discussions opened avenues for technology transfer, joint ventures, and investments in renewable energy projects.
Beyond economic diplomacy, the visit carried emotional significance. During his travel to Yamanashi, CM Yogi interacted warmly with members of the Indian diaspora. Families and children of Indian origin welcomed him with traditional gestures, reciting Sanskrit shlokas and expressing pride in their heritage. The Chief Minister appreciated their efforts to preserve Indian culture abroad, engaged in personal conversations about their roots, and shared light-hearted moments with the younger generation. These interactions reinforced the cultural bridge between Uttar Pradesh and its global community.
Strategically, the visit reflected the broader alignment between India and Japan in sectors such as semiconductors, automotive manufacturing, trade, logistics, and advanced technologies. CM Yogi projected Uttar Pradesh as a dynamic, secure, and fast-growing hub poised to play a major role in India’s ambition of becoming a $5 trillion economy, with the state itself targeting a $1 trillion economy in the coming years.
In his public statements, the Chief Minister expressed gratitude to Japanese authorities, Yamanashi Prefecture, and industry leaders for their hospitality and cooperation. Overall, the visit blended investment outreach, technological engagement, and cultural diplomacy—strengthening bilateral ties and accelerating Uttar Pradesh’s emergence as a key player on the global economic stage.
