It is my great pleasure to extend my heartfelt greetings to all the members of the JICA Alumni Association of Nepal (JAAN) on the occasion of the 51st anniversary of JAAN. This MILAN magazine commemorates the valuable experiences and achievements of JAAN. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to this distinguished magazine.

I arrived in Nepal in January of this year. Actually, Nepal is the country I have visited for trekking in the past. As Ambassador of Japan to Nepal, I look forward to spending a time in Nepal nestled in the majestic mountains of the Himalayas, and meeting with warm and friendly people wherever I go.

Since I was once a board member of JICA, I feel I’m also an alumnus of JICA. I am glad to know that Japan and Nepal have established a very good relationship through economic development and technical cooperation. I would like to continue my efforts to convey the goodwill from the people of Japan to the people of Nepal.

As you may know, people-to-people exchanges between Japan and Nepal date back to 1899, when KAWAGUCHI Ekai visited Nepal, and 1902, when the first eight Nepali students were sent to Japan. Today, more than 200,000 Nepali people reside in Japan, and in recent years, a wide range of people from Nepal have been visiting to Japan, not only to study but also to work. As birthrate declines and population ages in Japan, people with a deep understanding of Japan and its people and culture will become more essential for sustainable growth of Japan. The nature of people-to-people exchanges between the two countries is undergoing a significant transformation, and we should be eager to foster stronger relations between Japan and Nepal.

JAAN was established in 1973 as “Japan Students and Trainees Alumni Club” and celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. JAAN has made great efforts to enhance the mutual understanding and relations between Japan and Nepal by utilizing experiences of trainees and researchers in Japan – shared through many events and workshops. I believe that the contribution to the various sectors of Nepali society by students who love Japan as their second home country, along with their experiences, and the activities of JAAN members, will not only support the economic development of Nepal but will also lead to the qualitative evolution of Nepali society. It will also contribute to the society of Japan.

Next year, 2026, will mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Nepal which were established in 1956.  I believe that the role of JAAN will become even more important to further strengthen the history and exchanges between the two countries and people.

Finally, I am very happy that you, the future leaders of Nepal, will continue your tireless efforts to play an important role in promoting understanding of Japan among all Nepalese people and for the development of Nepal. I wish you all the best in your endeavors and hope that your efforts will deepen the friendship between Japan and Nepal.

 

MAEDA Toru

Ambassador of Japan to Nepal