Commending Japan and its cultural influence, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced that the Japanese language is now part of the curriculum in Delhi government schools.
Emphasizing mutual cooperation across various domains, such as environment, culture, tourism, heritage, education, and youth exchange, the Delhi government and Japan’s Fukuoka Prefecture have extended their ‘Friendship Agreement’ for an additional three years.
A 35-member delegation, including Fukuoka’s Vice-Governor Akie Omagari, visited the capital to mark the 15th anniversary of the twinning agreement. Originally signed on March 5, 2007, the agreement has been extended until March 31, 2026.
Kejriwal stated, “Our friendship isn’t a mere agreement between two cities; it’s a connection rooted in spiritual affinity and cultural ties that have weathered the sands of time… The influence of Indian culture, particularly through Buddhism, has left an indelible mark on Japanese society, fostering a genuine sense of closeness among their people towards India in general and the people of Delhi in particular.”
He continued, “Our friendship agreement of the last 15 years, in particular, has brought both cities closer by way of mutual cooperation, exchange, and benefits, especially in the fields of environment, art and culture, archaeology, and recently, in the field of education.”
Highlighting the positive developments, Kejriwal mentioned that Japanese language courses are now offered in Delhi government schools. Additionally, online exchanges and interactions are taking place between students from two schools in each city.
Kejriwal expressed the commitment to advancing the friendship and implementing agreed-upon action plans for the betterment of citizens in both cities.
Vice-Governor Omagari mentioned, “We’re looking forward to a visit by the Delhi government’s Art and Culture delegates in December. In the field of Environment, so far 24 experts from Fukuoka have visited, and they have also gone through a training session called International Environment Expert Training Programme.”
