Japanese PM Fumio Kishida’s Exciting Visit Puts North Carolina Center Stage

TL/DR –

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is making an extended visit to the US, including a stop in North Carolina, highlighting the mature relationship between the two regions. Japanese companies have made significant contributions to North Carolina’s economy, with Toyota’s $8 billion investment in a Randolph County site being the single largest direct foreign investment in the state’s history. There are about 225 Japanese companies with 500 locations statewide, providing jobs to around 30,000 North Carolinians and contributing to more than half of the state’s foreign direct investment.

Japanese Prime Minister’s Visit Indicates Strengthened Economic Ties with North Carolina

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is scheduled for a White House visit with President Biden and US lawmakers. This visit also includes a significant stop in North Carolina, marking a noticeable bond between Japan and the state.

“This is unprecedented,” states David Robinson, a trade attorney and Japan’s Honorary Consul for the Carolinas. Kishida’s itinerary includes visits to the Toyota electric battery manufacturing site and the HondaJet facility, followed by a luncheon at the Governor’s Mansion in Raleigh.

In recent times, Japan’s economic presence in North Carolina has been significant. Toyota’s $8 billion investment in their Randolph County site represents the largest foreign direct investment in North Carolina history.

Japan holds a prominent role in foreign direct investment in North Carolina, contributing to half of the state’s capital investment. “They are looking for a long-term investment…Many of these companies give back to our communities,” added Governor Cooper.

North Carolina hosts over 225 Japanese companies at 500 locations. “Thirty thousand North Carolinians went to work for a Japanese company this morning. This evening, tens of thousands of Japanese ate a dish called Tonkotsu with North Carolina pork. So it goes both ways,” Robinson said.

There’s a mutual benefit in sectors like automotive, biotech, life sciences, and food processing. As a result, the Japanese Language School of Raleigh has seen increased enrollment. “Last year, our number of students was about 200. And this year, we start at 250 and then we are expecting almost 300 students,” noted Joe Sakai, Board Chairman of the school.

This event precedes a gathering of Japanese business leaders later in the year. “We are hosting the Southeastern United States Japan Conference, the SEUS/Japan conference in Charlotte in October. We can show them all that our great state has to offer,” said Governor Cooper.

The Governor’s Mansion luncheon will feature a menu prepared by James Beard-Award-winning chef Ashley Christensen, food from Sam Jones BBQ, and music from North Carolina bluegrass band Unspoken Tradition. First Lady Kishida Yuko will also tour the North Carolina Museum of Science to see the Japanese Friendship Doll on display.

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