In the last sixty years, many changes have happened across the world. Nepal has completely transformed from a very remote and isolated country with low literacy, no connectivity and subsistence-based economy to a modern state, although with limited road access. Following the establishment of diplomatic relations with Japan 60 years ago, Nepal has made a tremendous progress in poverty alleviation, economic development, social progress, infrastructure development, and health, roads, agriculture and education sector.

The support of Japanese government and people has been an important factor in this transformation. The assistance is immense and unforgettable. Along with the ties at the government-to-government level, the collaboration and partnership at the people-to-people level is remarkable and highly important. Many Japanese volunteers have contributed to Nepal in cementing the relations between the two countries. Japanese mountaineers introduced Nepal in Japan.

As Nepal and Japan are celebrating sixty years since establishment of their diplomatic relations, Nepal-Japan relations have strengthened further. From sharing similar views on many of global issues, there are many factors that bring Nepal and Japan together. Therefore, New Spotlight has dedicated this issue to the celebration of Nepal-Japan relations, extensively covering their various dimensions. For this edition, we also have stories on political, economic and other contemporary issues.