· Hitachi explored collaborative growth strategies for technological innovations
· Nissin Foods discussed future expansion and sustainability initiatives in Karnataka
· Nissan Motor eyes Karnataka’s EV Cluster in Tumkuru for expansion
· Japan Display Inc explored partnership with Indian players to enter Indian market with support of government
• Sumitomo Heavy industries is opening it’s head office in Bengaluru and will be beginning assembly operations in Karnataka
• Daiki Axis Signs MoU to Establish STP and Wastewater Management Equipment Manufacturing Facility in Karnataka.
• Government of Karnataka Showcases Investment Potential to 150+ Japanese Companies and Associations During Japan Roadshow
• SMRJ will hold SME CEOs’ meeting in August to discuss collaboration opportunities for Japanese & Indian SMEs.
• Government of Karnataka to explore partnering with SMRJ for Karnataka’s inaugural Vendor Development Programme – SME Connect’25.
• Renesas Electronics with a running R&D Center in Bengaluru Explores partnership with Karnataka government for Support for future plans
Tokyo, NFAPost: In its ongoing commitment to garner investments for Karnataka, a high-level delegation meeting led by Karnataka Minister for Large, Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development M B Patil organised a road show at the Indian Embassy in Toky and met with representatives of global companies during a strategic business tour to Japan.
The successful roadshow to highlight “Investment opportunities in Karnataka” was held at the Indian Embassy in Tokyo under the leadership of Karnataka Industries Minister M B Patil attended the event as guest of honour and addressed the significant gathering of Japanese companies.
“Karnataka is a strategic investment destination for companies across the globe and Japan can play an important role in this investment journey of the state. We are here to explore potential collaborations in sectors ranging from sustainable infrastructure to advanced manufacturing, and showcasing Karnataka’s strengths in attracting global investments,” said Karnataka Minister for Large, Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development MB Patil.
The Minister also underscored Karnataka’s potential across diverse sectors such as precision manufacturing, electrical and electronics, auto components, and capital goods manufacturing, citing partnerships with major companies like Sumitomo Mitsui Construction, Mitsubishi Electric, and Toyota Tsusho as indicative of the state’s robust industrial ecosystem.
The Government of Karnataka also organised a Japan Roadshow, in association with JETRO and BCIC Japan, showcased lucrative investment opportunities in the state to over 150 companies and prominent associations including SMRJ and JCCI. The event also featured presentations highlighting Japanese companies’ successful ventures in Karnataka by JETRO Bengaluru Director General Toshihiro Mizutani.
The meetings also addressed specific initiatives to enhance economic ties, promote innovation, and foster partnerships that align with Karnataka’s vision for inclusive growth and sustainable development. The successful roadshow to highlight “Investment opportunities in Karnataka” at Indian Embassy in Tokyo focused on attracting investments to Karnataka and fostering a strong business environment for India.
The Roadshow also had meetings with global companies, including participation from Karnataka Department of Commerce and Industries Principal Secretary Selvakumar S, IAS and Karnataka Industrial Development Commissioner and Department of Commerce and Industries Director and S S Gunjan Krishna, IAS.
The meetings of day one were focused on exploring potential collaborations and strategic investments in Karnataka, emphasising the importance of leveraging each company’s expertise and innovation to drive economic growth and development in the region.
The discussions also highlighted opportunities for enhancing infrastructure, digital solutions, and sustainability initiatives, reinforcing a shared commitment to advancing mutual interests and fostering long-term partnerships in Karnataka’s booming sectors like EVs, aerospace, biotech, and IT, with attractive incentives for foreign investors.
As part of the event, Indian Embassy in Tokyo Chargé d’affaires ad interim Madhusudan Ravindran highlighted the strong India-Japan ties and the key role of Japanese firms in Karnataka’s economy. JETRO Bengaluru Director Toshihiro Mizutani also presented growing opportunities in Bengaluru and tier-2 and tier-3 cities in Karnataka.
Nissin Foods:
Hon’ble Minister M.B. Patil convened with key representatives from Nissin Foods, including Mr. Ryota Kawawa, General Manager of the Corporate Management Division, Ms. Michiko Kakuchi, Manager of the Corporate Management Division, and Ms. Kaya Tanii, Sustainability Strategy Lead of the Corporate Planning Division. Nissin Foods, with a 23-year presence in India, has seen significant sales and profit increases over the past three years and potential for further growth with government support. M.B. Patil suggested Bangalore as a hub for expansion, aiding both domestic growth and exports, and expressed interest in Nissin’s plans, offering support through food parks in Dharwad and Bijapur, which emphasize the complete food processing value chain and are in proximity to Maharashtra. Nissin has shifted its strategy in the last three years to focus on the mid-premium segment, which has led to increased consumption and better margins.
While there are no immediate investment plans, potential expansion is anticipated in the next 3-5 years. The discussion also covered post-COVID shifts towards e-commerce and quick commerce, the rise of millennials and Gen Z as key consumer demographics, and the emergence of niche D2C brands. The Minister invited Nissin Foods to the Global Investors Meet (GIM) and emphasized the importance of marketing to the young population and the role of the Food Tech Research Institute in promoting research. Additionally, Nissin’s innovations in food convenience technology and potential introductions to the Indian market were highlighted. The conversation also touched on sustainability certifications, including FSSAI, organic certifications, Agmark for product sustainability, and GreenCo for manufacturing process sustainability.
Hitachi:
Hon’ble Minister M.B. Patil engaged in a discussion with key representatives from Hitachi, including Mr. Bharat Kaushal, Managing Director of Hitachi India & Corporate Officer of Hitachi, Ltd.; Mr. Kazuhisa Kaneko, General Manager of the Government Relations Group, Hitachi, Ltd.; Mr. Yushi Akiyama, Chief Operating Officer of Hitachi India; Mr. Kunio Kubota, Senior Manager of the Government Relations Group, Hitachi, Ltd.; and Ms. Asami Higai, Assistant Manager of the Government Relations Group, Hitachi, Ltd.
Key areas of collaboration included:
· AI-powered Solutions: Developing AI-driven systems to optimize power grids, rail networks, and improve asset management through predictive maintenance.
· Sustainable Transportation: Partnering on projects like the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train, where Hitachi is contributing railway locomotives manufactured at their facility in Karnataka.
· Manufacturing Expansion: Hitachi’s recent expansion in India with two new factories outside Bengaluru is a sign of their growing presence in the country.
This highlighted the importance of partnerships and leveraging existing infrastructure. Hitachi showcased their long-lasting and efficient engineering products, some functioning for over 50 years. Additionally, they discussed the potential of quantum computing for improving energy efficiency and their joint venture with the Indian government on cybersecurity. The delegation acknowledged the significant shift towards digital services in India, particularly in financial services. Hitachi is exploring further opportunities in this domain.
Nissan Motor:
Hon’ble Minister M.B. Patil engaged in a strategic discussion with Mr. Joji Tagawa, Nissan Senior Vice President, and Mr. Frank Torres, President of Nissan India, focusing on potential collaborations and expansion of Nissan’s electric vehicle initiatives in Karnataka. The meeting emphasized their global presence, commitment to governments, and the ‘Nissan Ambition 2030’ vision which focuses on expanding electric mobility.
Highlighting that vehicles produced by Nissan India are exported to over 120 countries, the Minister suggested Karnataka as a future EV export hub. Discussions included Nissan’s sustainability activities, advanced electric vehicle technology, and new battery developments in Yokohama, with the potential to leverage Karnataka’s upcoming Exide gigafactory.
Cooperation in hybrid car technology was also explored, aligning with Karnataka’s upcoming clean mobility policy and attractive incentives for EV strategies. The identified EV cluster in Tumkuru, along the CBIC corridor, was proposed as an ideal site for Nissan due to its strategic location near metro cities. The meeting also acknowledged Nissan’s pioneering role in electric vehicles since 1947 and their recent advancements in mass production of EVs.
A presentation on Nissan’s business in India highlighted their focus on electrification, renovation, and a new high-tech car. M.B.Patil emphasised Karnataka’s strong R&D ecosystem, which includes a robust network of Japanese companies and a commitment to sustainability, presenting opportunities for Nissan in both manufacturing and design.
Daiki Axis
M B Patil held a significant meeting with Rio Waza from Daiki Axis, during which an MoU was signed to set up an STP and wastewater management equipment manufacturing facility in Karnataka. They explored land options in Doddaballapura and Tumakuru, visiting the Japanese Industrial Township (JIT) in Tumakuru and shortlisting a 4-acre land parcel.
The Government of Japan’s Johkasou technology, a decentralised wastewater treatment approach with over four decades of successful use in Japan, will be employed by the Daiki Axis facility to ensure water conservation and relieve pressure on water resources in Karnataka.
Sumitomo Heavy Industries (SHI)
M.B. Patil had meeting with Sumitomo Heavy Industries’ key executives, including Mr. Tetsuya Okamura, Chairman and Representative Director; Mr. Toshiharu Tanaka, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Globalization Department; Mr. Satoru Yajima, General Manager of the Corporate Planning Department; and Mr. Hisanori Kira, India Business Manager of the Globalization Department. The meeting discussed several pivotal initiatives. SHI is planning to open its head office in Bengaluru. They highlighted their engagement with major clients like Siemens and GE for MRI diagnostic equipment, anticipating swift growth in the MedTech sector, and welcomed the Karnataka government’s support in connecting with local companies to bolster this expansion.
The discussion also covered SHI’s significant presence in the construction equipment sector, leveraging Karnataka’s strong capital goods infrastructure, and their exploration of local manufacturing as their market presence in India grows. SHI expressed keen interest in India’s semiconductor industry, planning to explore semiconductor equipment manufacturing as the ecosystem matures. Additionally, the meeting addressed India’s new industrial policy, the provision of flexible incentives for businesses, and the promising growth in the automotive industry.
Japan Display Inc. (JDI)
Karnataka Industries Minister M B Patil also met Japan Display Inc. (JDI) officials including Kazuya Iizuka , Ken Hirabayash and Yuma Mizugaki of Japan Display Inc. (JDI) to discuss Autotech and advanced OLED display manufacturing in the state. The minister also invited them to explore Karnataka for establishing a display fabrication unit and be a part of GIM 2025, Invest Karnataka.
SMRJ
Karnataka Industries Minister M B Patil conducted a comprehensive meeting with senior executives from SMRJ, including Mr. Tomohiro Kaneko, Executive Vice President; Mr. Masayuki Nakayama, Senior Counselor, International Relations Center; and Mr. Satoshi Uchida, Director, Matching Support Division, where several strategic initiatives were discussed to strengthen bilateral economic ties. Key highlights of the meeting included the signing of an MOU with CII and BCIC to bolster opportunities for the SME sector in India. Plans were outlined for a CEO meeting in August, in collaboration with BCIC, aimed at fostering partnerships between Japanese and Indian SMEs. SMRJ’s extensive network of 26,000 Japanese SMEs was identified as a pivotal resource to facilitate their entry into the Indian market. The meeting also explored potential collaborations for jointly developing and leveraging Karnataka’s training institutes.
Opportunities for Japanese SMEs to participate in events such as VDP SME Connect 25 and Global Investor Meet 2025 were discussed, with invitations extended to attend and engage in SME Connect’25. Government of Karnataka also explored partnering with SMRJ for Karnataka’s inaugural Vendor Development Programme – SME Connect’25. SMRJ introduced the J-GoodTech platform to facilitate connections between Indian companies and Japanese SMEs. Discussions also encompassed strategies for business support, risk management, export promotion, and joint research initiatives. Emphasis was placed on expanding business operations in both Japan and India, highlighting market opportunities in sectors such as auto components, aerospace defense, electronics, and food processing.
Renesas Electronics
Minister Shri M.B. Patil held a strategic meeting with Renesas Electronics, engaging with key executives including Charles Kawashima, Vice President of Direct Organization (CEO); Toshihiko Igarashi, Senior Director of Direct Organization (CEO); and Sho Ozaki, Senior Director and Head of Corporate Strategy. Renesas Electronics, currently operating an R&D Center in Bengaluru, explores partnership opportunities with the Karnataka Government to support its future plans.
They explored how Karnataka could support these future endeavours, focusing on developing a comprehensive ecosystem and leveraging skilled workforce availability in tier 2 cities like Mysore and Hubli-Dharwad to optimize manufacturing costs. Renesas highlighted their dual focus on mass-market and specialized solutions, particularly in the burgeoning electric vehicle sector, underscoring their significant market share. The meeting also delved into Renesas’ global growth strategy through acquisitions, aiming to enhance technology and user experience. Challenges and opportunities in attracting foreign investments to India were discussed, emphasizing the country’s demographic dividend and robust infrastructure advantages.
