Nepal, Japan to mark 70 years of diplomatic relations

Kathmandu, July 28

The Nepal AOTS Alumni Society (Nepal AOTS), in collaboration with the Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC), is marking the 70^th anniversary of the establishment of Nepal-Japan diplomatic relations with investment and trade fair and exhibitions.

The events expanding two days on coming Thursday and Friday in Lalitpur will feature Nepal-Japan semblance exhibition, Japanese tea ceremony, Nepal-Japan business, investment and trade fair, and business seminar and panel discussion.

The commemorative celebration is being organised with the support of the Embassy of Japan in Nepal, the Association for Overseas Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Partnerships (AOTS), Japan, and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Nepal (JCCN).

The exhibition will showcase approximately 70 carefully curated exhibits (comprising 60 visual exhibits and 10 traditional food displays,) highlighting the similarities between Nepal and Japan in culture, traditions, lifestyle, architecture, festivals, arts, cuisine, and social values.

"Visitors will experience one of Japan's most cherished cultural traditions, where the preparation and sharing of matcha symbolising the principles of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility that lie at the heart of the Japanese Tea Ceremony," read the statement issued jointly by the Nepal AOTS and NCC.

Likewise, the Business, Investment and Trade Fair will feature around two dozen exhibition booths/stalls, with more than 20 Nepali and Japanese companies, organisations, and entrepreneurs showcasing their products, services, technologies, innovations, investment opportunities, and successful bilateral business collaborations.

A delegation of 20 Japanese entrepreneurs and business representatives will visit Nepal to participate in the event, providing a unique platform for direct business engagement, investment promotion, technology exchange, and partnership development between Nepali and Japanese enterprises.

Similarly, the panel discussion is a high-level forum bringing together policymakers, industry experts, business leaders, and professionals to discuss trade, investment, technology transfer, industrial cooperation, human resource development, innovation, and future opportunities for strengthening Nepal-Japan economic relations.

According to the organisers, the event is expected to attract more than 3,000 visitors during the two-day celebration, making it one of the largest public commemorative events organised in Nepal to mark the 70th anniversary of Nepal-Japan diplomatic relations.

The event is expected to create new avenues for business partnerships, investment promotion, knowledge exchange, and economic cooperation between the two countries.

"The 2-day celebration aims to commemorate this important milestone while further strengthening bilateral friendship and collaboration through a series of business, cultural, and educational programs. The event will bring together distinguished dignitaries, government officials, diplomats, business leaders, development partners, academia, alumni, cultural organizations, entrepreneurs, and members from the both countries," read the statement.

The year 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan. Diplomatic relations were formally established through the Exchange of Notes on 1 September 1956, marking the beginning of an enduring partnership that has grown over seven decades based on mutual trust, respect, friendship, and cooperation.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 29 July 2026.