Japan Foundation, Assam Skill University & IJBC Launch Japanese Language Teacher Development Program in Northeast India
- Peeush Srivastava
- May 25
- 2 min read
In a step toward strengthening India–Japan educational cooperation, The Japan Foundation, Assam Skill University, and Indo-Japan Business Council have joined hands to launch a Japanese Language Teacher Development Program for Northeast India. Designed to create a new generation of trained educators, the initiative aims to expand access to Japanese language learning, cultural exchange, and career opportunities in the region — even for candidates with no prior Japanese language background.
Guwahati, 22 May 2026 — The Japan Foundation, New Delhi, Assam Skill University, and the Indo-Japan Business Council (IJBC) have signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a Japanese Language Teacher Development Program for Northeast India.
The initiative aims to build a sustainable Japanese language education ecosystem in the region by developing a new generation of trained educators and expanding access to Japan-related opportunities.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Koji Sato, Director General, The Japan Foundation, New Delhi; Subhash Chandra Das, IAS (Retd.), Vice Chancellor, Assam Skill University; Hanif Noorani (ACS), Registrar, Assam Skill University; Mousumi Sen, OSD – Training & Industry Collaboration, Assam Skill University; Dr. Rajeev Kumar Sharma, Director - Industry Engagement and Outreach, Bhabaranjan Sarmah, Controller of Examination, and officials of Assam Skill University, Rajeev Gupta, Chairperson – North East Region, IJBC; and Narendra Sarawgi, Member, IJBC.
A major feature of the program is its inclusive design: candidates can apply even without prior Japanese language proficiency, making the initiative accessible to motivated learners aspiring to become professional Japanese language teachers.
As interest in Japan-related education, employment, skills, culture, and exchange programs continues to grow among youth in Northeast India, the shortage of trained Japanese language teachers has emerged as a key challenge. The new program directly addresses this gap.
Under the collaboration:
The Japan Foundation, New Delhi will provide academic guidance, language expertise, and teacher-training support.
Assam Skill University will serve as the lead institutional partner, providing academic infrastructure and institutional support.
IJBC will coordinate outreach, stakeholder engagement, and implementation support across the Northeast region.
The program will be conducted in Guwahati as an intensive classroom-based training course for selected candidates. Participants will be trained to contribute to schools, colleges, universities, skill institutions, and other educational settings across Northeast India.
Representatives of the partner organizations noted that the initiative represents an important step toward deeper India–Japan educational and cultural cooperation, while also supporting skill development and regional connectivity in Northeast India.
Applications for the program will open on 1 June 2026. Candidates from across Northeast India are eligible to apply. Further details will be announced through the websites and official channels of the participating organizations.
About
The Japan Foundation is Japan’s governmental organization dedicated to international cultural exchange, including Japanese language education, arts and culture, and intellectual exchange programs.
Assam Skill University is Northeast India’s first skill university, established by the Government of Assam to promote industry-oriented and employability-focused education.
The Indo-Japan Business Council (IJBC) is a bilateral chamber dedicated to strengthening business, educational, cultural, and institutional ties between India and Japan through strategic partnerships and regional initiatives.
Media Enquiries
Indo-Japan Business Council – Northeast Regional Committee
Email: chair.nerc@ijbc.org Phone: +91-8010-709-709 / +91-7303122552
WhatsApp: +91-7303122553 / +91-7303122552
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