Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Yoko Kamikawa, is scheduled to visit Nepal on May 5.
This visit marks the first such visit by a Japanese foreign minister since 2019 and is part of her broader Asian tour, which includes stops in several countries, including Sri Lanka.
Kamikawa, hailing from Shizuoka prefecture, known for the iconic Mount Fuji, aims to deepen bilateral ties amidst ongoing global rivalries, particularly between the US and China.
The Japanese Embassy in Kathmandu has positioned this visit against the backdrop of Japan’s efforts to assert its influence as a middle power in Asia, signaling Tokyo’s strategic intentions in a region currently dominated by US-China tensions.
According to a joint secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal, “Kamikawa’s visits are a strategic move by Japan to showcase its presence and leverage in Asia, particularly sending a message to Beijing”.
During her brief visit, Kamikawa will engage in discussions covering a wide range of topics, including Nepal’s support for Japan in international forums such as the United Nations. Although no agreements are expected to be signed, the discussions will focus on reviewing and expanding bilateral cooperation across various sectors.
Experts have suggested that Nepal should leverage this opportunity to enhance its economic ties with Japan, with a particular focus on sectors like agriculture, education, health, and disaster management. The visit will also address how Japan can assist Nepal in its ambition to graduate from Least Developed Country status by 2026, a transition that will reduce Nepal’s eligibility for certain types of international aid.
Both nations are gearing up to celebrate the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2026, which promises to elevate their long-standing partnership through high-level exchanges and commemorative events. This anniversary is seen as a pivotal moment to redefine and strengthen cooperation between Nepal and Japan.
Former Nepali Ambassador to Japan, Madan Kumar Bhattarai, emphasized the importance of reorienting Nepal’s strategy towards Japan. He stated, “Nepal must seek specific Japanese aid that can help reduce our import dependency and boost our export capabilities, particularly in agriculture products that are in high demand in Japan.”
Nepal and Japan have enjoyed a robust partnership, with Japan playing a significant role in Nepal’s development sectors, including agriculture, education, and infrastructure.
The visit by Minister Kamikawa is expected to further cement this relationship, with planned discussions on enhancing bilateral ties and exploring new avenues for cooperation.
