Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan visited North Carolina on April 12, 2023, to strengthen economic ties and cultural exchange between the two regions. During his visit, Kishida met with Governor Roy Cooper and toured the Honda Aircraft facility in Greensboro.
Kishida's visit to North Carolina was significant because it marked the first time a foreign head of state had visited the governor's mansion since record-keeping began in 1891. The visit also highlighted the strong economic ties between Japan and North Carolina. Japan is the largest source of foreign direct investment in North Carolina, with over 200 Japanese companies employing over 30,000 people in the state.
In addition to his meeting with Governor Cooper, Kishida also visited North Carolina State University, where he met with students and toured the university's Japan Center. The Japan Center was established in 1980 following a state trade mission to Tokyo.
Kishida's visit to North Carolina was a sign of the growing relationship between Japan and the United States. The two countries are close allies and share many common interests. Kishida's visit was a positive step towards strengthening the economic and cultural ties between the two regions.