Kohima, April 25: Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Suzuki visited Nagaland for a two-day tour. During his visit, he explored various historical sites in and around Kohima, such as the Heritage Village Kisama, World War Museum, War Cemetery, and Kohima Cathedral.
The Ambassador also interacted with members of the team involved in collecting the bones of Japanese soldiers buried in and around Kohima during World War II.
In a tweet, Suzuki expressed his excitement about visiting Nagaland for the first time and his admiration for the ladies from the Kohima Japanese Bone Collecting Team. He had lunch with the team and enjoyed the local delicacies of Nagaland. The Ambassador was touched by the team’s episode of friendship with Japanese veterans and their families, which has spanned decades.
The visit is significant as it highlights the cultural and historical ties between Japan and Nagaland. During World War II, Nagaland played a vital role in the Allied Forces’ victory over Japan.
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The Japanese and the British fought against each other in the Battle of Kohima, which took place from 4 April to 22 June 1944. The battle was one of the bloodiest in the history of the Second World War and played a crucial role in ending Japan’s advance into India.
The Kohima War Cemetery serves as a memorial to the soldiers who died during the battle, and it is one of the most visited sites by Japanese tourists in India. The Japanese government has been actively involved in collecting the remains of Japanese soldiers who died during the battle and returning them to their families in Japan.
The Ambassador’s visit is expected to strengthen the existing cultural and economic ties between Japan and Nagaland. Japan has been actively involved in development projects in Nagaland, such as the construction of the Nagaland Comprehensive High School in Kohima, and the establishment of the Nagaland Bamboo Research Centre.
In the evening, the Ambassador was scheduled to call on Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. The meeting is expected to discuss ways to further strengthen the bilateral relations between Japan and Nagaland. Overall, the Ambassador’s visit to Nagaland highlights the importance of cultural exchange and diplomacy in strengthening relationships between countries.
