CM Yogi’s Economic Mission in the Land of the Rising Sun

Yogi Adityanath’s Tokyo mission positions Uttar Pradesh as a global investment hub across semiconductors, renewable energy, logistics and automotive manufacturing.

CM Yogi arrives in Tokyo on 25 February 2026

In a move that signals a bold new chapter for Uttar Pradesh’s global economic ambitions, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath arrived in Tokyo on 25 February 2026. This transitioned from a high-impact visit in Singapore to the heart of Japanese industry. Stepping off the plane, his greeting set a poetic tone for the mission: उगते सूरज की नवोन्मेषी भूमि को प्रभु श्री राम की पावन धरा के 'आदित्य' का नमस्कार (Greetings to the "innovative land of the rising sun from the "sacred land of Lord Shri Ram.")

But beyond the cultural diplomacy lies a hard-nosed economic agenda. The first day of the Tokyo tour was a whirlwind of high-level boardrooms and strategic dialogues. Chief Minister Yogi met with the leadership of global giants like Mitsui & Co. Ltd. and Konoike Transport Co. Ltd., as a partner offering a massive, ready-to-scale market.

During his meeting with Kazuki Shimizu, COO of Mitsui & Co.’s Infrastructure Projects, the focus was firmly on the future.

The Chief Minister outlined four critical pillars for cooperation:

• Renewable Energy: Scaling up solar, bio-energy, and green hydrogen.

• ICT & Electronics: Building a robust ecosystem for chip manufacturing and digital services.

• Semiconductors: Positioning UP as a vital link in the global electronics value chain.

• Data Centers: Leveraging the state’s developing cloud infrastructure.

Logistics: The Backbone of the Pitch

Another standout moment of the day was the interaction with Shigeki Tanabe of Konoike Transport. Here, the Chief Minister played his strongest card: Infrastructure. With 1195 km of expressways and the nation’s largest rail network, Uttar Pradesh is no longer a landlocked challenge but a logistics dream.

He discussed expanding Konoike’s presence in Uttar Pradesh across logistics parks, warehousing and multimodal transport infrastructure. He also invited Konoike to specifically explore opportunities in medical devices manufacturing, highlighting the Medical Device Park near the Yamuna Expressway as a golden opportunity for Japanese precision manufacturing of medical devices, backed by a single-window clearance system that promises speed over red tape.

A major highlight of this mission is the Uttar Pradesh Investment Roadshow. In a powerful statement shared during the roadshow in Tokyo, the Chief Minister pitched a "New Uttar Pradesh"- a state that has shed its former 'BIMARU' (ailing) tag to emerge as the breakthrough engine of India’s $5 trillion economy dream.

CM Yogi also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Honourable Ambassador of India to Japan, Ms. Nagma Malik, her entire team and the officials associated with the India-Japan Business Coordination for their cooperation and support.

Continuing his diplomatic streak in Tokyo, the Chief Minister also sat down with a high-level delegation from Minda Corporation (Spark Minda Group) and their Japanese joint venture partners. The meeting, which included Executive Director Aakash Minda and Hiroaki Omori (MD & CFO of Spark Minda Toyo Denso), resulted in the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

This agreement is a significant win for Uttar Pradesh’s automotive sector. By focusing on advanced auto component manufacturing, the partnership aims to inject high-tech innovation into the state’s industrial veins. The Chief Minister assured the group of the state’s full weight in terms of seamless facilitation, swift land allocation as well as robust infrastructure support.

The Diaspora: Ambassadors of a New Era

In the high-energy engagement in Tokyo, the CM met with members of the vibrant Indian community. In this deeply personal address to the Indian diaspora, the Chief Minister moved beyond economics to the soul of the bilateral relationship. He drew a beautiful parallel: if Japan is the Land of the Sun, India is the "Son of the Sun" (Suryavanshi), with Lord Ram hailing from the Solar Dynasty, a lineage of light and duty carried forward by Lord Buddha, whose teachings remain the most enduring bridge between the two civilizations.

He spoke of "Dharma" not just as religion, but as the duty of the diaspora. He praised the Indian community for contributing to Japan's growth while keeping their roots alive, specifically admiring cultural performances by young Indian girls. 

The Chief Minister also met with the top brass of Suzuki Motor Corporation, including President Toshihiro Suzuki and the leadership of Honda Motor Co., led by Executive VP Noriya Kaihara. These were strategic sessions aimed at scaling up the long-standing manufacturing presence these giants already hold in Uttar Pradesh. The diplomatic weight of the trip was also solidified during a meeting with Japan’s Foreign Minister, Motegi Toshimitsu.

The Minister encouraged more Japanese firms to look toward the "New Uttar Pradesh" and also lauded the growing sister-state relationship between UP and the Yamanashi Prefecture, a partnership that aligns perfectly with the broader vision of Prime Minister Modi for a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

CM Yogi met Mr. Toshihiro Suzuki, President, Suzuki Motor Corporation.

CM Yogi met Mr. Noriya Kaihara, Director, Executive Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

CM Yogi Met with Mr. Motegi Toshimitsu, Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, in Tokyo

Why Japan and why now?

The timing of this visit is strategic. Fresh off a successful Singapore tour, where the state reportedly secured investment proposals worth nearly ₹1 lakh crore, Yogi Adityanath is capitalizing on the growing "China Plus One" sentiment among global investors.

He reminded Japanese industry leaders that UP has a consumer base of 250 million people, with 56% of them being youth and a working force. His message was clear: "We don't just provide a safe environment; we show you how to connect scale with skill and speed."

CM Yogi also highlighted that Uttar Pradesh is the food basket of India and the state with the largest water resources and how policy reforms over the last nine years have turned this state into a premier global investment hub

A New Narrative

For years, the narrative of Uttar Pradesh was one of untapped potential and bureaucratic hurdles. This Tokyo visit seeks to bury that past. Yogi Adityanath is projecting a state that is confident, transparent, and, most importantly, open for business.

As the roadshow continues through Yamanashi and Kyoto, the goal remains the same: transforming Uttar Pradesh into a $1 trillion economy.  The "Land of the Rising Sun" might just be the partner that helps the "New UP" reach its zenith.

About the Author

Kaveri Jain is a doctoral researcher in International Relations at the Amity Institute of International Studies, Amity University, Noida. Her work focuses on India-Japan relations during the Shinzo Abe era. She has presented at academic conferences, published in peer-reviewed platforms and written on various aspects of India-Japan ties, including foreign policy, technology cooperation, cultural exchange, diaspora diplomacy and engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.