Shillong, Nov 25: The Ambassador of Japan to India, Satoshi Suzuki on Thursday said he was impressed by the different facets of the State portrayed through the Cherry Blossom Festival and also informed that the cherry blossom or the ‘Sakura’ is the National flower of Japan and it is also a source of inspiration to the people of Japan.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Cherry Blossom Festival here on Thursday, Suzuki also observed that Meghalaya has a potential to attract more tourists especially from different parts of the world due to its unique landscape and environment.

Attended the inauguration ceremony of Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2021 in Meghalaya with Honorable Chief Minister Sangma. Wish further enhancement of the ties with Meghalaya through people-to-people exchange. #IndiaJapan #70thAnniversary pic.twitter.com/HSehJfsuQY

— Satoshi Suzuki (@EOJinIndia) November 25, 2021

Suzuki further informed that Japan is again starting the TITP (Technical Intern Training Program) to facilitate international workers to work for up to 5 years in Japan and learn Japanese way of working. He further informed that India and Japan have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on a basic partnership framework for operation of the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) system under which the Japanese government accepts foreign nationals who have a certain level of expertise and skill.

It may be mentioned that the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) is a new status of residence created by Japan in 2019 under which skilled Indian nationals can obtain jobs and stay in Japan. The MoC covers 14 categories of specified skills under which skilled workers from India would be eligible for employment in Japan.

Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, in his brief address, said the festival is a run-up to the State’s 50th Statehood celebration and specially dedicated to the people of the State. He also informed that there will be many more events to mark the Statehood celebration.

Tynsong said that festivals promote peace and harmony and bring in the feeling of oneness among the residents of the State. He also said the festival is meant for the youth and he hoped that in the future, the festival will attract more tourists from other parts of the country and the world.During the programme, the website and merchandise for the Meghalaya Golden Jubilee celebration was officially released.