Kathmandu: Ambassador of Japan to Nepal, Maeda Toru, paid a courtesy call on Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav at the Vice President’s Office in Lainchaur on February 9.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed a range of issues including Nepal–Japan bilateral relations, economic cooperation, culture and tourism, and people-to-people ties. Vice President Yadav said Nepal and Japan share a long-standing relationship rooted in history and culture, noting that diplomatic relations established in 1956 have steadily strengthened through cooperation, friendship and high-level exchanges.
Highlighting the celebration of the 70th anniversary of Nepal–Japan diplomatic relations this year, Vice President Yadav described it as an important milestone and expressed appreciation for Japan’s role as a reliable development partner. He said Japan’s contributions to Nepal since 1954 through grants, loans, multilateral and technical assistance, particularly in areas such as human resource development, health, agriculture, infrastructure, environmental protection and culture.
Vice President Yadav expressed Nepal’s interest in benefiting from Japan’s experience and technology in sectors including industrial development, agriculture, hydropower and infrastructure, and voiced confidence in continued Japanese support as Nepal prepares to graduate from the least developed country category in 2026. He also emphasized the potential for expanding bilateral trade and investment, assuring Nepal’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of Japanese investors through legal and institutional reforms.
He welcomed Japan’s support through the Japan Development Scholarship Program and highlighted the deep socio-cultural ties between the two countries, particularly the significance of Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. Vice President Yadav also noted the growing number of Japanese tourists visiting Nepal and expressed optimism for future growth. He further acknowledged the presence of a large Nepali community in Japan as an important aspect of bilateral relations.
Ambassador Maeda Toru reaffirmed Japan’s continued support for Nepal’s development and appreciated the contributions of the Nepali community living in Japan to Japanese society and the economy.
