Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's visit to North Carolina focused on establishing and reinforcing economic and cultural bonds between Japan and the state. During his trip, Kishida engaged in various activities, such as visiting benchmark Japanese companies in North Carolina, including Honda Aircraft Co. and the construction site of a Toyota Motor Corp. plant, which will provide thousands of job opportunities in the region. The visit underscored Japan's status as North Carolina's largest source of foreign direct investment, with over 200 Japanese companies operating in the state and employing more than 30,000 individuals.
One of the significant events during Kishida's visit was a luncheon at the governor's mansion in Raleigh, marking the first time a foreign head of state had visited the mansion in the state's recorded history. The luncheon brought together a diverse group of attendees, including state officials, executives from Japanese and American companies, and prominent figures like Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein and Republican House Speaker Tim Moore. During the event, Kishida expressed his admiration for North Carolina's achievements and innovative spirit, citing historical landmarks like Kill Devil Hills, where the Wright Brothers made their groundbreaking flight.
The visit also highlighted the potential for increased cultural exchange and collaboration between Japan and North Carolina, as noted by Chiaki Takagi, a Japanese studies lecturer at the University of North Carolina Greensboro. The prime minister's visit, particularly his engagement with students at North Carolina State University's Japan Center, showcased the opportunities for deeper connections and educational initiatives between the two regions. Furthermore, the visit included cultural activities, such as a traditional Japanese tea ceremony shared between Kishida's wife and North Carolina's first lady at Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham, symbolizing the mutual respect and appreciation between the two nations.