Nepal Japan Relations: An Ideal Model of Relations between a Least Developed and an Industrialized Nation

-Dr. Ram Kumar Dahal , Central Department of Political Science, T.U., Kirtipur, Kathmandu

The universal waves of democratization, privatization, globalization, liberalization, human rights; the increasing role of the Brettonwoods Institutions- The World Bank (WB), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Trade Organization (WTO) (formerly GATT)- and the multinational corporations (MNCs); the fast changing international milieu and a number of international factors have considerable bearing on inter-state relations including Nepal-Japan ties. Moreover, the regional environment in South Asia and Far East; the national developments in Japan and post- 1990 Nepal and the changes in Japanese and Nepalese foreign policies in different periods should not be under-estimated while studying Nepal-Japan relations.

Since the date of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1955, Nepal and Japan have maintained close ties and currently, is a model of ideal relations between a least developed country and an industrialized nation in the world. In post 1955 days, there have been cordial and friendly relations between the governments and people of the two countries. Both of them have been active in promoting a mature understanding of continuing evolution of the growing ties of friendship keeping in view of the changing demands and scenario and the needs of the globalized world which stresses the concept of "global village" or "family". In post 1955 days, Japan has been providing huge amount of economic assistance to Nepal in every field of Nepalese life- transport, communication, health, education, commerce, industry, mass media, science and technology and socio-cultural activities and currently, Japan is in the top list in the name of the countries assisting Nepal financially. Frequent visits of the leaders of the two countries including at the Heads of the State and Heads of the government levels have strengthened and tightened/heightened the bonds of friendship between them and the ties between them are highly cordial and warmest one.

The objective of this article is to study and analyze the key issues of Nepal-Japan relations in the light of practical and personal experience and scanning materials from various primary and secondary sources. This article is divided into five parts. The first part gives a short introduction about Japan. The second, third, fourth and fifth chapters respectively deal with the political and diplomatic relations; socio-cultural relations; economic cooperation between the two countries; and recommendations followed by a brief conclusion.

I

Japan: A Short Introduction

Known as the country of the Rising Sun of the East, Japan, a powerful country in the Far East, with an area 145,835 square miles (377,708 sq.km.) and a population of nearly 70 million, consists of four important islands in the Pacific-Hokkaido (83517 km.), Honshu (231102 km.), Shikoku (188,000 km.) and Kyushu (44379 km.). Covering nearly 0.3% of the total earth's surface, Japan is nearly 25 times smaller than the US, 9th time than India and nearly 1½ times smaller than the UK. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Japan Today, Tokyo: Japan, 1986, p. 6). Economically speaking, Japan is a most advanced country of the world (next to the US) and is one of the eight industrialized nations having rich mineral/natural resources. Politically, Japan has multiparty parliamentary system on British line with oldest and most respected institution of kingship in the world. Prepared on November 3, 1946 and enforced since May 3, 1947, the present Japanese constitution mentions about bicameral legislature known as the Diet consisting the House of Representatives and House of Counsellors and the Japanese Executive is responsible to the Diet. There is constitutional provision of independent judiciary and Japan has nearly seven principal political parties operating within the political and constitutional framework. (Koichi Kishimoto. Politics in Modern Japan. Tokyo, Japan Echo, INC., 1977) Socially Japan is a modern society with Buddhism as its principal religion. (Ram Kumar Dahal, "Nepal-Japan Sambandha: Ek Atikamvikasita ra Ek Audhyogic Rastra Vicha Ko Sambandha Ko Ek Adarsa Namuna." (Nepal-Japan Relations: An Ideal Model of Relations between a least developed country and an industrial nation). Antarastriya Manch (International Forum, monthly, Kathmandu), Year 3, No. 22, Baisakha-Jestha 2044 (April-March, 1987), pp. 529-532.

II

Political and Diplomatic Relations

The political and diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan could be studied in three phases: (a) relations in pre 1955 days; (b) relations till 1989 and (c) relations in post 1990 days (till now).

2.1 Nepal-Japan Relations in Pre 1955 days

Before Nepal and Japan formally established diplomatic relations on July 28, 1956 (Shrawn 13, 2013 in Nepalese calendar), the two countries had informal relations including the exchange of informal visits between them. For the first time in 1899, the famous Japanese Buddhist monk, Kawaguchi Ekai while visiting Tibet had visited Nepal. As mentioned in his book Three Years in Tibet, published in 1909 Kawaguchi Ekai had good impression about Nepal followed by visits by other Japanese citizens. (See Gorkhapatra, Jestha 1, 2035) The famous Japanese citizen Bunkyo Aoki (while visiting Tibet in 1912) and the Japanese artist Kousetsu Nousu had visited Nepal in 1912 and 1933 respectively. Moreover, in 1953 the first Japanese expedition team had visited Nepal and had successfully climbed up Nepal's famous Mt. Annapurna. Three years later Ekai Kawaguchi had visited Nepal, a group of eight students had visited Japan in 1902 for the study of Engineering from Nepal's side. Immediately after this, a Japanese linguist Junjiro Takakusu had visited Nepal to study Sanskrit (The Rising Nepal, June 18, 1978). Kind Mahendra had himself recommended liberally Krishna B. Varma for further study in Japan during his period. (Gorkhapatra, Jestha 4, 2035; Rai, 2054/55: 44). Thus, from the very beginning of the 20th century, the two countries had nurtured the informal relations between them and during 1899-1955 period, Japan, of the world's famous Buddhist country, had shown great sympathy to Nepal the birthplace of Lord Buddha; the country of the Himalayas (including world's highest peak Mt. Everest) and the country of the worldwide- known famous warrior class/race- the Gurkhas. The beautiful Himalayas of Nepal had became the source of attraction for the mountain expidition team and people of Japan even in the first half of the 20th century and accordingly, during the period of King Tribhuvan Dr. Eiei Nisiwori had visited Nepal to take permission for the Japanese Expidition team to climb up Mt. Manaslu. (Braj Mohan Rai. Nepal Japan Relations (upto 1997). M.A. Dissertation submitted to Central Department of political science, T.U., 2054/55, pp. 44). Since this expedition, the Japanese expedition teams and citizens became more and more curious to climb other mountains and visit Nepal. (Gorkhapatra. Jestha 2, 2035).

2.2Nepal-Japan Relations in Post 1955 days

Nepal-Japan relations in post 1955 days could be subcategorized into two subsections namely (a) Nepal-Japan relations under King Mahendra (1955-72) and (b) Nepal-Japan relations during Panchayat period (1972-89) under King Birendra.

2.2.1Nepal-Japan relations under King Mahendra (1955-1972)

King Mahendra of Nepal, who is also regarded as the architect of Nepalese foreign policy, after his accession to the throne in 1955, tried to diversely Nepal's foreign relations with the countries of the world, including Japan. The Japanese delegation had formally participated in the coronation ceremony of King Mahendra in 1955 including other countries of the world where the two countries informally exchanged their veiws in establishing diplomatic relations between them and according a press release issued in the early morning (8 o' clock) of July 28, 1955 in Kathmandu and Tokyo declared the establishment of diplomatic relations between them. The press release also stated about the exchange of their diplomats in their respective countries in near future and accordingly, Daman Shumsher, the Royal Nepalese Ambassador to India in New Delhi, was also appointed as the Ambassador to China and Japan. (G.B. Devkota, Nepal Ko Rajnaitik Durpan, Bhag-1. (Political Mirror of Nepal, Part-1), Kathmandu: Dhruba B. Devkota, 1979, pp. 416 and 322). Nepal during the period of King Mahendra (1955-1972) gave special importance and significance to its relations with Japan. The first elected Government of Nepal headed by first popularly elected Prime Minister B.P. Koirala (May 27, 1959-December 15,1960) also stressed Nepal Japan relations during its eighteen month democratic rule.

The frequent visits of the leaders of the two countries (even at the Heads of State and Heads of the government) in post 1955 days during King Mahendra's period have strengthened the bonds of friendship between them and the ties are, thus, warmer and cordial. The year 1960 marked an important phase in the history of relations between the two countries when King Mahendra and Queen Aisworya paid a eight-day state visit to Japan in April 18, 1960 in the friendly invitation of Japanese Emperor Hirohito where the royal guests were accorded a warm and historic welcome. The Japanese people and the government had shown great interest in the welcoming of the Nepalese guests, which undoubtedly played significant role in consolidating the close and intimate relations between them and opened new vistas of economic, scientific and technical cooperation between them. (G.B. Devkota. Nepal ko Rajnitik Durpan Bhag-2. Kathmandu: Arjun B. Devkota, 1980), pp. 380-387). King Mahandra's visit was seconded by the visits of the Japanese princes Michiko and Prince Akihiko in the same year. Even after the forceful dissolution of the first popularly elected government of the NC led by PM BP Koirala in Dececmber 15, 1960 and the introduction of the nonparty Panchayat polity in post 1960. Nepal-Japan relations remained unaffected

Nepal, during Panchayat period of King Mahendra gave special importance to its relations with Japan and accordingly Royal Nepalese Embassy was established in Tokyo in 1965. Two years later (in 1967), Crown Prince Birendra went to Tokyo University of Japan for further study. On the other hand, the Japanese government also gave great importance to its relations with the kingdom of Nepal and accordingly, Japanese Embassy was established in Kathmandu in 1968. Two years later in February 26, 1970, Nepal got opportunity to welcome Japanese Prince and Princess Hitachi in Kathmandu who had come to participate in the coronation ceremony of King Birendra. (Gorkhapatra. Jestha 2, 2035). The royal guests were accorded a red carpet welcome on their arrival in Nepal. (Gorkhapatra. Falgun 15, 2026). It was their second visit to Nepal. Since his formal visit to Japan in 1960 in the invitation of Japanese Emperor, King Mahendra along with Queen Aisworya attended the Expo-70 Fair- International Exhibition in Osaka, Japan in 1970 In the international Trade Exibition in Osaka, Japan held in 1970, King Mahendra himself played important role in the publicity of Nepalese products consequently leading the demand of Nepalese goods in international trade. (Gorkhapatra. Jestha 2, 2035). During this King Mahendra held informal talks with the Japanese leaders in matters of bilateral relations.

2.2.2Nepal-Japan Relations under King Birendra

Nepal-Japan relations during the period of King Birendra (January 31, 1972-June 1, 2001) remained cordial and warm. As King Birendra had studied in Tokyo University, Japan in 1967 while he was a crown prince, he gave much more emphasis in Nepal's cordial and friendly ties with Japan. (Gorkhapatra. Jestha 2, 2035) During his period, the then Foreign Minister Gyanendra B. Karki and the then Chairman of the Rastriya Panchayat Nain B. Swar had respectively visited in different months of 1974. The Japanese Prince Akihito and Princess Michiko had participated in the coronation ceremony of King Birendra in 1975 in Nepal which undoubtedly strengthened the bond of existing friendship between the two countries. In the same year (1975), Crown Prince Gyanendra and Princess Komal paid a visit to Japan. Evidently, the relations between the royal families of the two countries were warmer and cordial one and the royal families were instrumental in strengthening the bond of existing relations between them. The Japanese government in the 1970's had given great importance in its relation with the Kingdom of Nepal. The year 1977 was particularly important in the history of relations between the two countries because the Japanese Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Kiwa Okuda and Foreign Minister Iichiro Hatoyama had paid official visits to Nepal in different occasions of this year in the invitation of the Nepalese Foreign Minister of K.R. Aryal. The Japanese Foreign Minister Iichiro Hatoyama during his visit to Nepal in 1977 particularly met the Nepalese political leaders and discussed the bilateral economic cooperation between the two countries and further assured to strengthen it in future. Moreover, he also reaffirmed the strengthening of political relations between them which had already been assured by visiting Japanese Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Kiwa Okuda in his visit to Nepal earlier in 1977. Three years later in 1980, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Kazuo Aichi visited Nepal. A Year before His Majesties King Birendra and Queen Aisorwa paid a week-long state visit to Japan in May 15, 1977, Foreign Minister Krishna Rai Aryal visited Japan on the invitation of Japanese Foreign Minister Sunao Sonoda of the royal couple's visits and had meetings with his counterpart and Other political leaders in Tokyo.

In the second half of the 1970's, Nepal remained busy in getting its proposal "for declaring the kingdom a zone of peace" endorsed in international community which was proposed by King Birendra in his coronation ceremony in 1975. The year 1978 marked an important period in the history of the relations between the two countries because King Birendra and Queen Aisworya paid a weeklong state visit to Japan in May 15, 1978. (The Rising Nepal. May 14, 1978). Japan during the last half of the 1970's, was taking keen interest in the development of its relations with the Asian nations and that cooperative mentality had been welcomed by the Asian countries from Iran to Afghanistan including Nepal. (Gorkhapatra. Jestha 1, 2035). Japan during this period was particularly active In improving its relations with People's Republic of China (PRC) ASEAN and South Asian Countries. The Japanese Prime Minister Tanaka's visit to PRC, Prime Minister Fukuda's visit to ASEAN Countries, and Foreign Minister Iichiro Hatoyama's a month earlier visit to South Asian countries (Bangladesh and India) including Nepal showed Japan's keen Interest in strengthening its ties with other (even smaller) Asian nations. Prime Minister Fukuda, immediately after returning back home from his visit to ASEAN countries including Burma had in his address to Japanese Diet, expressed Japan's strong commitment and interest to improve relations with Asian nations. (Gorkhapatra. Jestha 1, 2035). Nepal as a country of Lord Buddha was particularly important to Japan for this purpose. The time of the visit of the Nepalese Head of the state was, for this purpose, particularly important and appropriate for a small, landlocked and least developed country like Nepal which wanted to accept economic aid from any corner of the world for its all round developments. (Ibid., p. 6).

During their visits, King Birendra and Queen Aisworya met with all the distinguished political leaders in Japan including professors of Tokyo University where King Birendra as a crown prince had studied in 1967. (The Rising Nepal. May 16, 1978). King Birendra in his hour long talks with the then Japanese Prime Minister Fukuda held discussions about the mobilization of Japanese aid in the utilization of Nepal's vast water resources in which the latter assured the former about Japan's cooperation (financial and technical) in the development of Nepal's agricultural sector. Moreover, the Japanese Prime Minister also assured Nepal for further assistance in future according to Nepal's need. (Gorkhapatra. Jestha 3, 2035). In the royal address read out by Prince Akihito on behalf of his ill father Emperor Hirohito further economic and technical assistance to Nepal was assured including strong faith in the strengthening of the friendly ties between the two countries in the days to come. (Thr Rising Nepal. May 16, 1978). The joint communiqué published in Tokyo and Kathmandu after the completion of the week-long visit to Japan strongly asserted the two countries faith in the strengthening of the bilateral ties between them. The Japanese side welcomed Nepal's attitude of maintaining peaceful and friendly relations with nations of the world including the immediate neighbours and endorsed Nepal's attempt to declare it as a zone of peace. The Nepalese side praised Japan's attempt to maintain world peace and its desire to assist financially the other nations of Asia, including Nepal itself. Both the countries reintegrated faith in working together in maintaining peace and promoting cooperation in countries of South East Asia. (Gorkhapatra. Jestha 9, 2035). The important outcomes of the visit were the consolidation of bilateral political, economic and technical ties and developing mutual understanding between them. On December 5, 1980, Japan formally recognized Nepal's zone of peace proposal. In the second half of the 1980's, the Japanese leaders gave much more importance to their relations with Nepal. Princess Chichibu's and Prince Naruhito's visit to Nepal in 1985 and 1987 respectively were particularly important in strengthening the existing ties between the two countries. (The Rising Nepal. May 22, 1987) During this period, Foreign Minister Shailendra Kumar Upadhaya's official visit to Japan and Crown prince Gyanendra's participation in the funeral procession of late Japanese Emperor Hirohito in Tokyo respectively in 1987 and 1989 were other important significant events in his direction.

2.23Nepal-Japan ties in post 1990 days

Japan during the Panchayat period not only endorsed unconditional support to King Birendra's Nepal's peace zone proposal but also favoured the strengthening of the democratic polity in Nepal in post 1990 days. Nepal-Japan ties, thus even grew stronger in the post 1990 days. The relation between the two royal families and peoples of both the countries also became more and more warmer and cordial during this period. Crown Prince Dipendra in 1990 participated in the Coronation Ceremony of Japanese Emperor Akihito, in Tokyo which was participated by 158 states of the world. (Gorkhapatra, Kartik 21, 2047). Prince Dipendra during this visit exchanged views with the Japanese leaders about the bilateral relations between the two countries. In a state banquet arranged by Japanese Prime Minister Tasiki Kaifu in Tokyo, Crown Prince Dipendra reinterated Nepal's strong faith in its relation with Japan. In a program organized by Nepal-Japan Friendship and cultural Association in Kathmandu on the auspicious occasion of Emperor Akihito's coronation ceremony the then Japanese Ambassador to Nepal Arichi stated that Japan was taking keen interest not only in Nepal's economic development but also in the development of cultural relations between the two countries. (Gorkhapatra. Kartik 28, 2047). Nearly after eight months of Crown Prince Dipendra's visit to Japan, the Japanese Finance Minister Riyutaro Hashimoto paid a four day official visit on July 20, 1991 in which he held extensive talks with Nepalese political leaders in power including Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and Finance Minister and assured further economic and technical assistance to Nepal in the days to come. (Gorkhapatra. Shrawn 4, 2048 and Kartik 12, 2048). A Japanese Parliamentary Election observation Mission led by the President Keiwa Okuda of Japan Nepal Parliamentarians Friendship League observed the 1991 parliamentary elections of Nepal. (Rai. op. cit., p. 57; Gorkhapatra. Kartik 12, 2048). In the post-1990 days, the political party leaders also visited Japan and strengthened the existing bilateral ties between the two countries. The ex-Prime Minister and NC party President KP Bhattarai along with NC Youth Leader PL Singh paid a ten day official visit in October, 1991 on the invitation of Japanese government. The ex-Prime Minister Bhattarai held extensive talks with the Japanese leaders in power including the Japanese Emperor. (Gorkhapatra. Kartik 12, 2048) which undoubtedly strengthened the relations between the two countries.

The relations between these two countries during the none-month long CPN-UML government of Nepal (1994-1995) remained cordial and warmer. The CPN-UML Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal paid official visit to Japan in July 1995 in which he held extensive talks with Japanese Emperor, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and other leaders about various areas of Nepal-Japan relations. During this period Japan assured Nepal for further cooperation in the field of agriculture including providing irrigational facilities to Nepal and increasing agricultural outputs. (Gorkhapatra. Shrawn 13, 2052). In the NC Prime Minister SB Deuba led coalition government, Foreign Minister Prakash Chandra Lohani paid a three day official visit to Japan in 1995 in which Japan assured Nepal to continue its economic assistance to Nepal in the days to come. (Gorkhapatra. Bhadra 29, 2054). Moreover, during this period the Reiyukai International was given the responsibility of constructing International Buddhist Research Centre in Lumbini which was inaugurated by King Birendra. (Embassy of Japan, Kathamndu, "Major Events in Japan-Nepal Relations: A Chronology," a two page document, Kathmandu, 1996, pp. 1-2.)

During the period of the NC government (1999-2001) led by Prime Minister GP Koirala, Nepal Japan ties became more and more cordial and warmer. During this period, the Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori paid a one-day visit to Nepal which was a first visit of a Japanese Prime Minister to Nepal. This visit became fruitful for Nepal for many reasons. (Ram Kumar Dahal, "Nepal-Japan Sambandha," (Nepal Japan Relations), Rajahaas, a yearly publication of Baneswor Campus, Kathmandu, Year 7, No. 7, 2057, p. 41). In this visit, Japan declared to provide Nepal a cash amount of Rs. 1,14,24,54,264 as assistance to Nepal which would be spent in the construction of primary school in 2nd stage under the Basic and Primary Education Program; and provided scholarships to fifty students to assist Nepal in the field of information technology. Nepal's support for Japan's proposed membership in the extended UN Security Council was also sought and raised by private media. (Gorkhapatra. Bhadra 9 and 10, 2057; Kantipur, Bhadra 9 and 10, 2057; The Rising Nepal. Bhadra 9 & 10, 2057). The relations between these two countries during the three-day rule of King Dipendra (June 2-Jne 4, 2001) remained as usual. The relations between them is becoming more and more warmer and cordial during the period of King Gyanendra (June 4, 2001 onwards). The GP Koirala government and the present NC government led by Sher B. Deuba (July 22, 2001 on wards) have also done much for the sake of improving further relations between the two countries.

III

Nepal-Japan Socio-Cultural Relations

As a Buddhist country Japan has close socio-cultural ties with Nepal and both the countries share common socio-cultural values including respect to the institutions of monarchy. Religiously and culturally both are regarded as peace loving countries in the world. The socio cultural linkages between them existed even before the pre 1995 days. In 1899 the Japanese Buddhist monk Ekai Kawaguchi during his visit to Tibet stayed few days in Nepal and had good impression about Nepal and Nepalese culture as he mentioned in his book Three Years in Tibet published in 1909 (GorkhaPatra, Jestha 1, 2035). A famous Japanese linguist JunJiro Takakusu had visited Nepal for the study and investigation of Sanskrit language (Gorkhapatra, Jestha 2, 2035). Though Japan and Nepal are modern and transitional society respectively, both of them have preserved their traditional values and customs (Chetana Weekly, May, 19, 1978) and the former has even modernized them. The cordial and friendly relations between these two Asian monarchies are due to, among other things, Nepal being the birthplace of Land Buddha. Both the Japanese Constitution, 1949 and the constitution of Kingdom of Nepal 1990 have guaranteed the right to religion in their respective countries. Japan as a Buddhist country has played significant role in the reconstruction of Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha and world's most famous pilgrimage centre for the Buddhists. For this, as proposed by the then UN secretary General U Thant in 1967, the Japanese sculptor Kenji Tonge had prepared the master plan for the development of Lumbini (Gorkhapatra, Jestha, 2035) and Japan is donating a large amount of money for this. Similarly, Japan had also donated Nepal for the construction of International Buddhist Library and Cultural Centre in Lumbini. Leaders of both the countries during their visits to respective countries had expressed feelings intending to bring them closer in socio-cultural and religious fields. King Birendra during his visit to Japan had expressed that both the countries were trying to maintain world peace through the realization of the ideals of Lord Buddha (The Rising Nepal, May 16, 1978). The then Prime Minister of Japan Fukuda in response to King Birendra's above statement stated that both the countries are the worshipper of peace and both these Asian countries have their common tradition, history, faith in religions and are the lovers of nature (Gorkhapatra, Jestha 5, 2035). The Joint communication issued at the end of King Birendra's weeklong visit to Tokyo, among other things, stated that the cultural and educational exchanges between them had played significant role in strengthening the ties between them and they also promised to extend such exchanges/co-operation in future.

The Japanese foreign Minister Ichiro Hatoyama during his two-day visit in 1977 had drawn the attention of the people by stating that besides the cultural and religious similarities between the two countries, the growing number of Japanese tourists and mountain expedition teams are other important aspects (The Rising Nepal, July 22, 1997). The growing number of religious Buddhists coming into Lumbni is another important aspect in this direction (out of the total such tourists 1/3 are Japanese) (Gorkhapatra, March 17, 1982). A large number of Nepalese students/researchers are studying in Japan under scholarship program including the study of languages of both the countries (Gorkhapatra, Jestha 2, 2035; The Rising Nepal, June 1977; Gorkhapatra, Nov. 15, 1981). Besides these, both the countries have close relations in the fields of art, culture and tradition including their views on monarchy (Krishna B. Varma, "Japani Praja Ra Tinko Raj Bhakti", (The Japanese people and their loyalty to Kingship), (Gorkhapatra, Baisakha 16, 2035).

In the words of Kochi Aki, the chairman of Japan-Nepal Society, (JNS), the JNS has played significant role as a means or link to provide information about socio-cultural, religious and other fields of both the countries (The Rising Nepal, October 27, 1981). Moreover, the exchange of visits of artists, singers and actors (e.g. a group of 37 artists in Nepal in February 25-28, 1981; a group of fifteen artists to Japan in 1981, to participate in the Asian traditional Art Exhibition, to mention a few examples) of both the countries have further strengthened the socio cultural ties between them (Nepal-Japan Friendship and cultural Association, Kathmandu, Shakunage, (May 1981), pp. 3-5). Thus, both of these countries share common socio-cultural and traditional values and the relations in these sectors have to be further strengthened in future.

IV

Nepal-Japan Economic Ties

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Japan has been assisting large amount of Nepal in order to boost up the latter's economy. Currently, Japan's aid to Nepal, according to government statistics and the information provided by the Japanese information has surpassed the aid to many other donor countries (Embassy of Japan, Kathmandu, Outlook of Japan's ODA to Nepal, a typed bulletin, February 10, 1987 p. Annex III). The Japanese aid concentrate in the all round development of the nation including in technical sector (providing technical service and technicians to Nepal) (Sri Ram Poudyal, Foreign Aid in Nepal, Kathmandu : CEDA, 1982, p. 42). According to one statistics (1997), Nepal has received more than US $ 110 million equivalent aid from Japan every Year. (Manju Ratna Shakya "Nepal-Japan Relations A study", Look Nepal Vol. 2, No 1 December 1997-Jan. 1998, p. 24). As Japan had provided a huge amount of money to Nepal's developmental activities and as the list of such amount is quite longer, it becomes a challenging and difficult task, if not impossible, to compile them in one place. In short, Japan has been assisting Nepal in the fields of energy, (building Hydro Electric Plant projects in Kulekhani 1 and 2) health, agriculture, human resources development (Japan International co-operation Agency : JICA also provides training to them), construction, education, and a number of fields (Ram Kumar Dahal, "Nepal-Japan Sambandha" Nepal-Japan Relations, Viswo Rajnitima Nepal, (Nepal in world politics), Kathmandu : Pairabi Books and stationary centre, January, 1998, pp. 263-271). The Japanese aid is also concentrated on training programme, expert dispatch programme, equipment (Indra Kumar Thakur, Nepal-Japan Economic co-opration T.U. Economics Dept. MA Dissertation, Kathmandu, 1995), agricultural development program, western region basic health project, T.U. medicine project, small farmer's development project and so on (Association for promotion of International co-operation (APIC), A Look at ODA and International co-opration, (Tokyo, Japan, 1989. pp. 1-39. APIC, A Guide to Japan's Aid, (Tokyo Japan, 1989, pp. 70-73). The Japanese aid may be grouped in to (1) Grant assistance, (2) Loan assistance and (3) Technical assistance.

V

Recommendations

In order to further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries, some suggestions and recommendations could be put forward.

The president of Nepal Journalist Association Manju Ratna Shakya in an article entitled "Nepal Japan Relations : A study" had expressed great pleasure in the widening and strengthening of relations between the two nation in many fields but stated that "The same is not visible in the same spirit and volume in the field of Journalism". (Look Nepal, Vol. 2, No. 1, December 1997, January 1998, p. 24). Therefore, co-operation in such area has also to be further promoted. In order to discourage the illegal activities, as the killing of innocent and humanitarian Buddhist monk in Lumbini by some selfish and irresponsible elements, the two governments should consult from time to time to draw out proper scheme. The people to people relation, particular in socio-cultural and economic field including in trade and commerce, have to be further strengthened. A joint committee of the two countries should be formed so as to review the relations between them and improve them if there are any wrongs. Nepal may seek Japan's co-operation in the utilization of its water resources, in developing its tourism industry, solving environmental challenges, in poverty alleviation, in fighting against hunger, diseases, malnutrition, and in encouraging urbanization. In order to further nurture the existing cordial and warmer relations between them and to minimize misunderstanding, if there is any, (e.g. in the killing of innocent and humanitarian Buddhist monk in Lumbini) the two countries could develop a high level political, diplomatic and bureaucratic mechanisms and immediately solve them in time so that irresponsible factors may not fish in the troubled waters. The Nepalese misbehaving with the foreigners including the Japanese should be strictly punished.

Conclusion

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries on July 28, 1955, the friendly ties between Nepal and Japan have been very cordial and warmer. The exchange of visits between the leaders of the two countries from time to time (including at the Heads of the state and heads of the government) level has further strengthened the existing ties in different fields of life including in political, economic, socio-cultural, religious and educational sectors. Japan's huge economic assistance to Nepal, without any interest and political string attached to it, has further brought the two Asian nations into closer ties. In recent years, the construction and development of Lumbini a pilgrimage centre for the Buddhists, and the birthplace of lord Buddha, has become another important attraction for the Buddhist Japan. As the world has entered into third millennium facing new but complicated challenges and problems, the world's most respected monarchies, and the parliamentary democracies of both the countries have to further strengthen the existing ties between them in the changed national, regional and global context. Moreover, besides government to government ties, public to public relations have to be encouraged (including the development in the sector of tourism, mountain expedition, trade and commerce, industry, arts and culture) and a number of collaborative efforts have to be made in future so as to make the relations more lively and tighter one.

Long live Nepal Japan relations.

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