Maharashtra and Hokkaido accelerate international talent exchange

The Japanese prefecture of Hokkaido and India’s Maharashtra state are advancing human resource exchange through the India-Japan Human Resource Exchange Action Plan, aiming to mobilise 500,000 people between the two countries over five years.

As part of this initiative, 50,000 skilled Indian workers are expected to move to Japan to fill labor gaps in IT, manufacturing, and healthcare, while also enhancing bilateral economic ties and professional collaboration.

Hokkaido Vice Governor Takayuki Kano, who led a delegation to meet Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha last week, highlighted the potential for regional talent exchange.

“During the Japan India summit, it was decided to have more human exchange between the two countries. There is very high potential for talent exchange between the two countries. Hokkaido is also important to expand this exchange with India,” Kano said.

He added: “The connection with Hokkaido has just begun and the Hokkaido government is working to promote Hokkaido in India and its people. More and more Indian talent can come to Hokkaido and we want to promote regional exchange of talent between India and Hokkaido.”

The initiative includes skill development and Japanese language training delivered by India’s Swami Vivekanand Skill Development Institute at Vidyavihar, ensuring candidates are prepared for international employment.

Lodha emphasised, “There is significant demand in Japan for Indian youth trained in skills. Through appropriate skill training and Japanese language education… the youth will become capable of international employment.”

The delegation also highlighted Hokkaido’s rich food culture and agricultural and marine products, reinforcing opportunities for cultural and professional exchange.

Learn how India and Japan are setting new benchmarks in talent mobility and regional workforce collaboration.