The Japanese Language Teacher Development Programme for Northeast India by Assam Skill University (ASU), in collaboration with The Japan Foundation (JF) and the Indo Japan Business Council (IJBC) was inaugurated by Shri Biswajit Daimary, Hon'ble Minister of Skill, Employment & Entrepreneurship Department, Assam, on July 1^st, 2026 at ASU City Campus, Birubari, Guwahati. Shri Hanif Noorani, ACS, Registrar, Assam Skill University; Mr. Koji Sato, Director General, The Japan Foundation, Mr. Siddharth Deshmukh, President, Indo Japan Business Council; Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kumar Deka, Dean Academics, Assam Skill University were also present at the ceremony along with faculty members, officials and invited guests.

The Japanese Language Teacher Development Programme – Northeast India marks a significant step towards strengthening Japanese language education and building a skilled pool of Japanese language teachers across the region. The initiative seeks to address the growing demand for qualified Japanese language educators while creating greater opportunities for youth in education, skill development, global employment and cultural exchange with Japan. Implemented through the collaborative partnership of Assam Skill University, The Japan Foundation and the Indo Japan Business Council, the programme combines global expertise in Japanese language education with institutional support and industry collaboration. Designed as an intensive classroom-based course, it will equip participants with Japanese language proficiency, communication skills, cultural understanding, teaching methodologies and practical classroom experience, enabling them to become competent Japanese language teachers who can support beginner-level learners across Northeast India.