Japan’s Tottori Prefecture is set to forge a sister-state partnership with Odisha following discussions between Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Japan’s Consul General in Kolkata, Ishikawa Yoshihisa, in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday.

The meeting focused on expanding cooperation in areas such as trade, industry, tourism, technology and academic exchange. According to an official statement, both sides agreed that Tottori Prefecture and Odisha would work closely as “sister states”, with plans for exchange visits by high-level delegations in the coming months. The formal declaration of the partnership is expected to be made jointly by the Odisha Chief Minister and the Governor of Tottori at a later stage.

Majhi highlighted the contribution of Japanese support to Odisha’s development initiatives and expressed hope for greater Japanese participation in the state’s industrial growth and investment landscape.

The Japanese envoy noted the long-standing cultural and historical ties shared by Odisha and Japan, particularly in the fields of art and heritage, and reiterated Japan’s interest in deepening socio-economic collaboration with the state.

Tourism also figured prominently in the talks, with both sides exploring opportunities to promote Odisha’s Buddhist heritage sites and natural attractions among Japanese visitors.

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In another key development, Japanese recruitment agencies are expected to visit Odisha to create employment pathways for Odia youth in Japan.

Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Industries Department Additional Chief Secretary Hemant Sharma and Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Saswat Mishra were also present during the meeting.