Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's recent visit to North Carolina was a continuation of his official U.S. trip, focusing on reinforcing economic and cultural bonds between Japan and the Tar Heel state. During his time in North Carolina, Kishida visited benchmark Japanese companies like Honda Aircraft Co. and the construction site of a Toyota Motor Corp. plant, highlighting Japan's significant investments in the state.
Kishida's visit to North Carolina also included a momentous lunch at the governor's mansion in Raleigh, marking the first time a foreign head of state has visited the mansion since records began in 1891. At the luncheon, attended by a diverse group including state officials, business executives, and cultural leaders, Kishida expressed his appreciation for the strong ties between Japan and the U.S., emphasizing North Carolina's role as a state at the forefront of innovation and progress.
The prime minister's interactions in North Carolina extended beyond official meetings, as he engaged with students at North Carolina State University and participated in cultural exchanges, such as sharing a traditional Japanese tea ceremony with North Carolina's first lady. Kishida's visit aimed to showcase the depth of the Japan-U.S. partnership beyond the political sphere, fostering positive future collaborations between the two nations while celebrating shared interests and values.