Manipur Tourism Forum and the Second World War Imphal Campaign Foundation in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Government of Manipur commemorated the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Imphal marked by a series of functions attended by around 125 foreign delegates from Japan and England along with official and ministers from the state.Besides rich floral tributes  and state function, the inaugural opening of Imphal Peace Museum was the main highlight. 
The event kicked off with foreign delegates accompanied by state official and ministers and MLAs offering floral tribute at the Deulaland, Imphal war Cemetery and at the India Peace memorial at the Maibam Lotpa Ching, Nambol, Manipur on Saturday. 
The floral tributes began around 10 in the morning at Imphal War Cemetery after which the team move to India Peace Memorial, Nambol where the newly constructed Imphal Peace Museum by the Nippon Foundation was inaugurated. 

Speaking at the inauguration function, Chairman of Nippon Foundation Yohei Sasakawa said that the invaluable peace that the two countries share today is the legacy of the ultimate suffering of those who have fought and have fallen in war, we remind ourselves that our duty is to protect our peaceful society. 

While expressing his satisfaction and joy of being able to celebrate the opening of the Imphal Peace Museum, he also shared his experienced of suffering of war as he is also a survival of the Tokyo air raid. He said, “Since then I have lived with a strong desire to realize a world where everyone can live in peace and security”.At about the same time, one of the fiercest fighting battle of Imphal took place in Kanglatombi, Kohima and Red Hill, here in Manipur.

Innocent citizens lost their lives in the ravaging war, soldiers died on the battlefield leaving their loved ones behind, many died on the battle field leaving their loved ones behind, many died from starvation and disease each were deprived of their family, their life and their future the reality is too painful.
While Imphal Peace Museum is a living memory of this tragic war, it will be a bridge to pass on a peaceful world to the next generation. The museum exhibits valuable personal notes and photographs donated by those who have fought and survived the war, giving us a glimpse into the past.
The framed calligraphy with the word “Peace” or HEIWA” in Japanese,  a message sent by the Japan Prime Minister, is an unfaltering hope for a peaceful future, he said. 
He wish that Imphal Peace Museum built with hopes of many people, will be the bridge to connect the past and future for a lasting peaceful world for all times to come 
Addressing the gathering during a formal function at the auditorium of Manipur State Film development Society Imphal, chief minister of Manipur N. Biren Singh pitch for Japanese help in the over development of the state  He said that the Indo-Japan partnership could explore opportunities in Manipur in the areas like road connectivity infrastructure, tourism, trade capacity building and healthcare. The chief minister said that mechanisms could be institutionalized for collaboration amongst educational and medical institutions in the areas of research, training, exchange programmes, etc. and further stated that Manipur is the land gateway to South East Asian countries. The Chief Minister observed that such commemoration solemnly reminded of the courage and sacrifices of the past. Human progress and prosperity must be based on the foundation of peace and collaboration, he added. Addressing the gathering, Ambassador of Japan to India, Kenji Hiramatsu said that there is huge potential in collaboration with the people of the NorthEast India and express his desire to have an Intellectual Dialogue with the people to see visible changes in the region. He invited the promising youths to work in Japan under the Technical Intern Training Programme.  Kenji Hiramatsu further mentioned that 24 youths including 6 Manipuri’s have enjoyed the first hand experience in Japan this year under the Youth Exchange Programme. He stated that the Japanese government is committed to have a strong relationship with India. On the occasion, British High Commissioner to India, Shri Dominic Asquith stated that the UK government would work closely with Manipur government to bring economic prosperity in the State. He mentioned that India, Japan and UK will collectively work together to overcome the challenges of the 21st century. As UN members, the three countries have common purpose in preserving and strengthening the international system of co-operation. During the function, Chief Minister also released a Souvenir in commemoration of 75th Anniversary of Battle of Imphal. Chairman of Manipur Tourism Corporation and MLA of Konthoujam A/C Dr. Sapam Ranjan, Chairman, Nippon Foundation, Shri Yohei Sasakawa, officials of State Government, around 200 delegates from Japan attended the function.