UP, Japan to expand cooperation in green hydrogen, energy security

Uttar Pradesh and Japan’s Yamanashi Prefecture will further strengthen cooperation in green hydrogen, energy security and other sectors, Yamanashi Governor Kotaro Nagasaki said on Sunday.

Nagasaki said the cooperation with Uttar Pradesh would focus on promoting development in both regions while contributing to world peace.

“We wish to advance cooperation in several important sectors together with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. One of these important initiatives is to promote the development of Uttar Pradesh and Yamanashi Prefecture through a green hydrogen system. Along with this, our desire is also to contribute to the establishment of world peace through energy security,” Nagasaki said.

The governor was interacting with the media on Sunday after offering prayers at Baba Vishwanath along with the Japanese delegation, the Uttar Pradesh government said in a statement.

“By coming here, one can clearly feel the devotion and respect that all of you have towards God. I too have prayed here for world peace,” he said.

Under Nagasaki’s leadership, about 15 prominent members of the Japanese delegation visited Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham, offered prayers to Baba Vishwanath and sought blessings.

Devotees welcomed the Japanese guests with chants of “Har Har Mahadev” when they arrived at the temple. Members of the delegation also joined the chanting, highlighting the cultural ties between India and Japan.

On Saturday, the Japanese guests visited Baba Vishwanath Dham and Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his teachings. Later that evening, they attended the Ganga Aarti at Namo Ghat.

The delegation returned to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple on Sunday before departing from Varanasi.

The Japanese delegation, comprising more than 200 members, has come to India under the UP-Japan Investment Meet-2026. Several Memorandums of Understanding related to investment and bilateral cooperation were also signed between the Uttar Pradesh Government and the Japanese delegation in Lucknow.

The Uttar Pradesh government said the visit reflects the growing role of Kashi, the city of Baba Vishwanath, and Sarnath, the place where Lord Buddha delivered his teachings, in strengthening India-Japan spiritual, cultural and tourism relations.