Kathmandu: President Ramchandra Paudel is paying an official visit to Japan from February 1 to 4, 2026, at the cordial invitation of Japan, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan this year.
Holding a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on January 30, Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai stated that the visit will elevate the cordial relations between the two countries. He added, “Nepal and Japan established diplomatic ties on September 1, 1956. This year marks the 70th year of our diplomatic relations. Both countries will hold different programs this year to celebrate 70 years of ties.”
President Paudel is scheduled to pay a state call on Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on February 3, 2026. The President will also have a meeting with Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae of Japan on the same day. Earlier, on February 2, President Paudel will attend a special reception hosted, on behalf of the Government of Japan, by State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Horii Iwao, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Nepal-Japan diplomatic relations. Prior to this, the State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan will pay a courtesy call on the President.
According to Foreign Secretary Rai, during the visit, the President will also participate in a meeting with the Japanese business community, in addition to attending a reception hosted in his honour by the Embassy of Nepal. A 15-member team led by President Paudel will be accompanied by his spouse, Sabita Paudel, and high-ranking government officials. The President will return to Kathmandu on February 4, 2026.
Previously, then President of Nepal, Bidhya Devi Bhandari, visited Japan from October 20 to 22, 2019, to attend the Ceremony of Enthronement of Emperor Naruhito in Tokyo. In May 2024, Kamikawa Yoko, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, paid an official visit to Nepal.
