Prime Minister Kishida Visits North Carolina, Strengthening Ties with the State
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan visited North Carolina on April 12th, 2023, further solidifying economic and cultural bonds between the state and Japan. His visit followed meetings in Washington D.C. focused on global security concerns.
In North Carolina, Kishida visited the Honda Aircraft Co. production facility and the construction site of a Toyota Motor Corp. electric and hybrid battery plant. He also met with students at North Carolina State University and toured the Japan Center.
Kishida's visit highlighted the importance of North Carolina as a hub for Japanese investment. Japan is the state's largest source of foreign direct investment, with over 200 Japanese companies employing over 30,000 people.
During a luncheon at the governor's mansion, Kishida emphasized the multilayered and strong ties between Japan and the United States. He praised North Carolina's ingenuity and mentioned the Wright Brothers' first successful flight at Kill Devil Hills as an example.
Governor Roy Cooper welcomed Kishida, noting the long history of cooperation between North Carolina and Japan. He mentioned his own visits to Tokyo and expressed his appreciation for the Prime Minister's decision to visit the state.
Kishida's visit also included a traditional Japanese tea ceremony with North Carolina first lady Kristin Cooper at Sarah P. Duke Gardens.
Overall, Kishida's visit to North Carolina demonstrated the strong and growing relationship between the state and Japan. It showcased the economic and cultural ties that bind the two regions and highlighted the importance of continued collaboration.