Building the Next Chapter of India–Kansai Partnership: Exclusive Interview with Junichi Nishida

Junichi Nishida, Executive Director of the Kansai Japan-India Association (KJIA), shares his vision for strengthening India–Japan business, investment, innovation, and people-to-people ties.

Junichi Nishida, Executive Director of the Kansai Japan-India Association (KJIA)

As India and Japan continue to deepen their Special Strategic and Global Partnership, regional cooperation is emerging as a powerful driver of bilateral engagement. Among Japan's economic powerhouses, the Kansai region—home to Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and numerous globally renowned manufacturers, technology firms, and innovative SMEs—is playing an increasingly important role in strengthening commercial, cultural, and people-to-people ties with India.

The establishment of the Kansai Japan-India Association (KJIA) reflects this growing momentum. The association serves as a dedicated platform for fostering business collaboration, facilitating knowledge exchange, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and promoting deeper engagement between Kansai and India's dynamic economy.

In this exclusive interview with JapanCalling.in, Junichi NISHIDA, Executive Director of the Kansai Japan-India Association, shares his perspectives on the expanding opportunities for India–Kansai cooperation, the evolving role of Japanese businesses in India, and the sectors that hold the greatest promise for future collaboration. He also discusses the importance of talent mobility, strategic partnerships, and the role of KJIA in connecting businesses, institutions, and communities across both countries.

Reflecting on the legacy of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai and the future of India–Japan relations, Nishida outlines a vision that goes beyond trade and investment—one built on innovation, education, cultural understanding, and long-term partnerships. His insights offer valuable guidance for businesses, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and young professionals seeking to participate in the next phase of one of Asia's most important bilateral relationships.

Excerpts from an Exclusive Conversation with Junichi NISHIDA, Executive Director, Kansai Japan-India Association (KJIA)

India has become one of the most attractive destinations for Japanese investment and business expansion. From the Kansai region's perspective, what opportunities do you see shaping the next phase of India–Japan economic cooperation?

Japanese companies, particularly those in the Kansai region, are paying increasing attention to India as one of the world’s most promising consumer markets. India’s abundance of highly skilled professionals, especially in IT and engineering, is also a major attraction. As labor shortages become more acute in Japan, I believe Kansai companies, including small and medium-sized manufacturers, will increasingly recruit and develop Indian talent.

At the same time, we are seeing a growing number of Indian privately held companies seeking partnerships and acquisitions by Japanese firms. Going forward, Japanese companies will be able to enter the Indian market more efficiently by leveraging strategic alliances, M&A opportunities, and access to talented Indian professionals.

Many innovative SMEs and family-owned enterprises in the Kansai region are exploring opportunities in India. What are some of the common misconceptions Japanese companies have about the Indian market, and how can they overcome them?

One common misconception is that India is simply a difficult or distant market. Certainly, challenges exist, but many can be overcome with the support of reliable local partners. Rather than focusing on risks alone, Japanese companies should view India as a long-term growth opportunity and engage with confidence and patience.

While India and Japan share a strong strategic partnership, people-to-people exchanges are equally important. How can the Kansai Japan-India Association help deepen mutual understanding and strengthen these connections?

I do not believe there is a significant gap in exchanges between Kansai and India. In fact, we shared deep historical ties. Buddhism originated in India and became one of the foundations of Japanese culture. During Japan’s modernization in the Meiji era, cotton imported from India played an important role in supporting the growth of Osaka’s textile industry, which became a driving force behind the region’s economic development.

Kansai businesses have also shown interest in India for many decades. Companies such as Morishita Jintan and Kincho (Dainihon Jochugiku) explored opportunities in India at an early stage. In addition, Osaka has long served as a base for the Indian business community in Japan and hosts the Indian Consulate-General, making the region an important gateway for India–Japan relations.

As global supply chains continue to evolve and businesses look for new growth markets, which sectors in India do you believe offer the greatest opportunities for Kansai-based companies?

Looking ahead, I see four particularly promising sectors for Kansai-based businesses.

First, textiles and apparel. There is considerable potential to rebuild cooperative supply chains and explore India as a production base serving not only Japan but also the Middle East and Africa.

Second, pharmaceuticals and healthcare. Kansai is home to many leading pharmaceutical and medical technology companies, while India’s growing healthcare needs present significant opportunities for collaboration.

Third, manufacturing. Kansai’s technological strengths, combined with India’s large pool of engineering talent and the momentum of the “Make in India” initiative, can create substantial synergies.

Fourth, environmental and energy-efficient technologies. As India continues to pursue sustainable growth, demand for advanced solutions in air conditioning, energy conservation, and environmental management is expected to expand significantly.

By combining Kansai’s technological expertise and reputation for quality with India’s growth potential and talent base, both sides can create new opportunities for long-term development.

Expo 2025 Osaka has brought together countries to showcase innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration. What lasting impact do you hope the Expo will have on India–Kansai relations and future business partnerships?

I hope Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai will serve not merely as a temporary event, but as the starting point for a new phase of long-term cooperation between Kansai and India in tourism, education, talent exchange, and business.

One particularly encouraging development is the planned launch of Air India’s direct service between New Delhi and Kansai International Airport. Improved connectivity will help increase the number of tourists, business travelers, and companies from India.

Looking ahead to the next decade, what is your vision for the Kansai Japan-India Association, and what role do you see it playing in building a stronger and more future-oriented India–Japan relationship?

Although the Kansai Japan-India Association is still a young organization, our aspiration is clear. Over the next decade, we aim to become one of the most trusted platforms connecting Kansai and India.

Our vision extends beyond economic exchange alone. We seek to serve as a comprehensive bridge linking business, talent, education, culture, and innovation.

To achieve this, we will continue providing practical, member-focused support, making effective use of digital tools and social media, while placing particular emphasis on helping small and medium-sized enterprises explore opportunities in India.

Ultimately, we want the Kansai Japan-India Association to be recognized not simply as an organization that facilitates exchanges, but as a trusted partner that creates tangible value and meaningful connections for all those involved in the India–Japan relationship.