Published Date: 17-11-2018

The High-Speed Rail technology is being adopted from Japanese Shinkansen train technology, creating a need for inter-country exchanges between officials of the two countries. This requires proficiency in the Japanese language and an empathetic understanding of Japanese culture.

A training programme on Japanese language and culture has been developed by the Japan Foundation, based on established standards for Japanese Language Education. The study material emphasizes oral communication in Japanese and a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.

Several employees of NHSRCL from project offices in Mumbai, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Surat, and the corporate office in Delhi, including the Managing Director, have completed this five-month-long Japanese language course. Certificates were presented to 35 successful employees by the Japan Foundation at a function organized at NHSRCL Corporate Office in New Delhi.

During the presentation ceremony, the Managing Director of NHSRCL, Shri Achal Khare, stated: “Similar courses will continue to be organized for all employees. The next course is scheduled to start in December 2018. NHSRCL will also give preference to job applicants with Japanese language proficiency, evaluated through the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N-1 to N-5. However, candidates with N-3 level proficiency will be required initially. Recruitment will take place over the next 1–2 years, so technical acumen coupled with Japanese language proficiency may be the key for prospective employees.”

The Director for Japanese Language of the Japan Foundation, Mr. Noguchi Kousuke, added: “This course is certified by the Japan Foundation, New Delhi, using our own standard called 'JF Standard for Japanese-Language Education'. We hope NHSRCL employees who completed the course will continue learning the language and culture, contributing to the success of the High-Speed Rail project.”

National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) is a joint sector company of the Government of India and participating state governments, formed for the implementation of the High-Speed Rail Corridor Project between Mumbai and Ahmedabad.