Press Releases
State Minister for Foreign Affairs FUJII participates in the 55th Annual Joint Meeting of the Japan-Midwest U.S. Association and the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association
On September 8th, Mr. FUJII Hisayuki, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, attended the opening ceremony of the 55th Annual Joint Meeting of the Japan-Midwest U.S. Association and the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association held in Tokyo, and delivered welcome remarks.
Noting that Japan-U.S. economic ties are truly one of key pillars underpinning the Japan-U.S. Alliance, State Minister FUJII encouraged U.S. companies to invest in Japan. He mentioned investment and job creation by Japanese companies in the Midwest, where manufacturing is thriving, and referred to various initiatives by the Government of Japan to strengthen Japan-U.S. relations at the grassroots level. He then expressed his hope for the success of this Joint Meeting and for the further deepening of the Japan-U.S. "Kizuna (bond)" in advancing the Japan-U.S. relationship.
(Reference) The Japan-Midwest U.S. Association
- The Japan-Midwest U.S. Association was established in 1967 in order to promote trade and investments and mutual exchanges in broad areas including industry, technology and culture between Japan and the United States. The Japan-Midwest U.S. Association holds the Annual Joint Meeting together with the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association, its counterpart.
- U.S. attendees to this year’s Joint Meeting included governors of the states of Michigan and Nebraska, lieutenant governors of the state of Kansas, as well as Mr.Gordon Dobie, Chairman of the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association.