Assam Skill University (ASU), in collaboration with the Japan Foundation and the Indo-Japan Business Council (IJBC), organised a Japanese Cultural Exchange Programme at the ITI Birubari campus, Guwahati, on 28 October 2026. The programme witnessed the participation of 75 students and aimed to promote Japanese language learning, encourage cross-cultural understanding and strengthen educational and cultural ties between India and Japan.

The programme was organised under the Japanese Language Teacher Development Programme (JLTDP), a collaborative initiative launched on 1 July 2026 by Assam Skill University, the Japan Foundation and the Indo-Japan Business Council. The eight-month initiative aims to develop a pool of trained Japanese language teachers in Northeast India through specialised training and mentorship from native Japanese faculty members.

As part of the cultural outreach initiative, trainees of the JLTDP facilitated interactive sessions to familiarise students with Japanese culture, traditions and language. The programme featured engaging hands-on activities, including Shodo (Japanese calligraphy) and Origami (the traditional art of paper folding). Students also experienced the traditional Japanese summer garment, Yukata, through a dressing and photography session.

The participants were further introduced to Bon Odori, a traditional Japanese folk dance, along with an introductory Japanese language session that familiarised them with basic language skills, cultural nuances and potential learning opportunities.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Hanif Noorani, ACS, Registrar, Assam Skill University, highlighted the significance of the JLTDP in developing trained Japanese language teachers in the Northeast. He noted that the cultural exchange programme provided students with an opportunity to experience Japanese culture and language through interactive activities while encouraging them to explore future learning and career opportunities.

Shri Rajeev Gupta, Chairperson, Northeast Region, Indo-Japan Business Council (IJBC), also emphasised the importance of the collaboration in promoting Japanese language education and cultural exchange, strengthening India-Japan relations and creating new opportunities for the youth of the region.

The Japanese Cultural Exchange Programme forms part of a wider outreach initiative being undertaken across educational institutions in Northeast India. Through the JLTDP and its associated activities, Assam Skill University, in collaboration with its partners, seeks to promote foreign language education, foster cross-cultural understanding and expand opportunities for skill development and career advancement among the youth of the region.

The initiative reflects the University's continued commitment to fostering international academic collaborations and strengthening educational and cultural partnerships between India and Japan.