UP-Japan Ties to Deepen Through Green Hydrogen and Energy Security: Yamanashi Governor
A 200 member Japanese delegation visits Varanasi as Uttar Pradesh and Yamanashi explore cooperation in clean energy, investment and cultural ties.
VARANASI (UP), Aug 23: Cooperation between Uttar Pradesh and Japan’s Yamanashi Prefecture is set to expand into green hydrogen, energy security and other areas, Yamanashi Governor Kotaro Nagasaki said on Sunday.
Nagasaki said both sides were keen to work with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on initiatives that could support economic development while contributing to broader global goals.
He identified green hydrogen as a key area for future collaboration between the two regions. The governor also highlighted the importance of energy security and said joint efforts could contribute to world peace.
Nagasaki made the remarks while interacting with the media after visiting Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi with members of a Japanese delegation.
Japanese delegation visits Kashi Vishwanath
Nagasaki led around 15 prominent members of the delegation to the temple, where they offered prayers and sought blessings.
The Japanese visitors were warmly welcomed by devotees chanting “Har Har Mahadev”. Members of the delegation also joined the chants, reflecting the cultural warmth between India and Japan.
Nagasaki said his visit to the temple allowed him to experience the deep devotion of the people of Kashi. He added that he also prayed for peace around the world.
The delegation had earlier visited Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first teachings, and attended the Ganga Aarti at Namo Ghat.
Investment ties gain momentum
The visit is part of the UP-Japan Investment Meet-2026, which brought more than 200 Japanese delegates to India.
During their visit, the delegation participated in discussions aimed at expanding investment and cooperation between Uttar Pradesh and Japan. Several Memorandums of Understanding covering investment and bilateral cooperation were signed between the Uttar Pradesh government and the Japanese delegation in Lucknow.
The engagement highlights the growing focus on strengthening economic links between Uttar Pradesh and Japanese businesses, while creating opportunities in emerging sectors such as clean energy.
Kashi strengthens cultural partnership
The Uttar Pradesh government said the Japanese delegation’s visits to Kashi Vishwanath Dham, Sarnath and the Ganga Aarti also underlined the cultural and spiritual dimensions of India-Japan relations.
Kashi and Sarnath, both important destinations for spiritual and Buddhist heritage, are increasingly serving as platforms for strengthening cooperation in tourism, culture and people-to-people exchanges.
The Japanese delegation concluded its Varanasi visit on Sunday after offering prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
The latest engagement is expected to add momentum to cooperation between Uttar Pradesh and Yamanashi while linking economic partnerships with clean-energy initiatives and cultural exchanges.
